I found this article on Christianity Today, and I found it so refreshing. It is so nice to see Christian websites that are posting articles about the value of Christian women working outside of the home (instead of the usual articles that I see which make working mothers feel like the worst people on earth). I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!
Work Is a Sacred Trust
by Nancy OrtbergMarch 22, 2007
The summer I was 15, I locked myself in the bathroom. Not for the typical reasons. There was no fight with my parents or disappointing love interest. I wasn’t trying to hide tears or cool down a temper. I had just received my first paycheck.
It wasn’t just the paycheck I loved. That was just symbolic. It was work I loved. I loved the feeling of doing something that mattered, something that helped other people, something that I could accomplish.
Growing up, I awoke each morning to the smell of coffee and the sight of my dad in his crisp white shirt and tie, sitting at the breakfast table reading the newspaper. His aftershave gently filled the room and there was a sense of anticipation in him as he readied to start the work day. My dad loved what he did, and he was good at it. That was a dynamic combination.
Every morning my mother drove me to school. After she dropped me off, she continued on the few more miles to her workplace. In the 1960s, I had one of the very few moms who worked. She was always dressed up for work and her mood seemed to match. My mother loved what she did, and she was good at it. That is a dynamic combination. “Thank God it’s Friday.”
“I hate my job.”
“Can’t wait until I retire; then I can start living.”
I don’t get that.
I love to work. I love getting up in the morning and getting dressed for work. I love looking over my calendar for the day and seeing what lies ahead. I love working with a team to make things happen. I love the relationships at work; I love the tasks. I love dreaming and imagining what might be, what the future could look like, how we could make a difference. I love starting to change things, and setting things in motion that might make those changes happen. I love celebrating the wins along the way and learning from the losses. I love watching the team getting healthier and happier as it gets better and better at the work it does.
I love how when people are led well. Not only do they accomplish great things, but they become better people in the process. There is that kind of redemption in work.
God gave work to Adam and Eve before the fall. Work was not the result of sin; it is another way of working out the image of God that resides in all of us.
Work is a sacred trust and there are a few things you can do to treat it as such in your role as a leader:
1. Yourself. I first heard the concept of “self-leadership” when I was on staff at a church. Here’s the main idea: You are responsible for carving out a life that has a rhythm that renews you. It is not anybody else’s job. As a leader you take responsibility for your own self-renewal which includes things like reading, planning alone time to do thinking and processing, and maintaining a schedule that allows you to keep your promises, which is one of the key jobs of a leader. Self-leadership will not only increase your leadership capacity and skills but will also work to prevent burnout.2. Others. Leadership is the promise of development. People need three things to grow: opportunities, challenges, and relationship. It is your job as a leader to be sure, over time, that your people are getting all three. They need opportunities to use their abilities to make a difference, challenges that stretch them without breaking them, and relationships in which they are known and celebrated and told the truth about themselves.
One of my most memorable moments working on staff at a large hospital was when I was speaking for the first time to one of the top executives. I introduced myself and she immediately said, “I know who you are.” I was 22 years old. I have never forgotten that phrase. It was powerful to be noticed and made me want to do a good job.
3. The Organization. Organizations—not just individual people—are important. Organizations, as a collection of people, allow us to accomplish things we could not do on our own. As a leader it is your responsibility to make sure that meetings are compelling, that they are places where collaborative (not consensus, which Patrick Lencioni defines as “mutually agreed upon mediocrity”) decisions are processed and made, a place where goals are set and people are held accountable for those, where short-term and long-term gains are celebrated and lack of success is autopsied and learned from.
Leadership is a sacred trust.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Wealth
This Sunday Mike spoke about wealth – the top American Idol. The sermon emphasized that money is not the problem, but instead the problem is wealth. The problem with wealth is that we often view our wealth as “ours” – we fail to realize that all that we have is a gift. Because we only have the blessings that we have as a gift, God has commanded us to be generous and share these blessings with others. Our focus should not be, “What can I get?”, but instead, “What can I give – what can I do to be more generous?”
I reflected on this sermon and the scripture. Matthew 6:18-21 says:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
I am struck by the phrase, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The primary problem with each idol in our lives seems to start with a problem of perspective. I tend to have a perspective that is completely focused on what I do NOT have as opposed to focusing on what I do have.
For example, when it comes to beauty – I focus on the fact that I don’t have a perfect figure, I don’t have perfect teeth, I still have acne, etc. Instead, I should focus on what I do have – the ability to run and be healthy, a face and body that is free form scars and problems. When it comes to work, I tend to focus on what I do NOT have. I focus on the fact that I am unable to work from home or be a stay at home mom. Instead, I should be thanking God for blessing me with a job that allows me to work 4 days a week, for blessing me with an outstanding boss, for giving me a position where I can help others and impact the world around me. When it comes to family, I focus on what I do not have. I often long for another baby, or sometimes I wish that my kids were better behaved. Instead, I need to be thankful that I have an incredible husband and two healthy, beautiful children. Finally, when it comes to wealth, I focus on what I do not have. I wish for a larger SUV or van to transport our family, I would love to have a bigger house, a bigger yard, & a house on a farm. I would love to travel the world, etc. I could go on and on with a long list of material possessions that I would love to have. Instead, I should be thankful that I have a house, that I have a car, that I have food to eat. As we learned on Sunday, only 8% of the people in the world have a car – so we are incredibly wealthy by comparison. Over 1billion people live on less than a dollar a day, so how could I ever complain that our family does not have enough money?
The problem with this negative perception of the world is that it seeps into every aspect of your life. I often spend time wishing that I could sing or play an instrument in our praise band, when I should be focusing on the gifts that I have already been blessed with! The other problem with this negative focus is that it creates in us a thirst that will never be quenched. If you are always focusing on what you do not have, you will never be content and fulfilled because you will never have enough. However, if you can learn to focus instead on the many blessings that you do have, you will learn that you have more than enough, and you probably have plenty left over to share.
The challenge this week is to try to change your perspective. Once a day, try to focus on something positive in your life – a blessing from God. Take time to thank God for the blessing. By doing this, you will begin to change your perspective – you will begin to focus on what you do have instead of what you lack. This will also help you begin to acknowledge that all that you do have is truly a blessing – not something that you have earned, but something to praise God and thank him for, and perhaps it is even something to share.
I reflected on this sermon and the scripture. Matthew 6:18-21 says:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
I am struck by the phrase, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The primary problem with each idol in our lives seems to start with a problem of perspective. I tend to have a perspective that is completely focused on what I do NOT have as opposed to focusing on what I do have.
For example, when it comes to beauty – I focus on the fact that I don’t have a perfect figure, I don’t have perfect teeth, I still have acne, etc. Instead, I should focus on what I do have – the ability to run and be healthy, a face and body that is free form scars and problems. When it comes to work, I tend to focus on what I do NOT have. I focus on the fact that I am unable to work from home or be a stay at home mom. Instead, I should be thanking God for blessing me with a job that allows me to work 4 days a week, for blessing me with an outstanding boss, for giving me a position where I can help others and impact the world around me. When it comes to family, I focus on what I do not have. I often long for another baby, or sometimes I wish that my kids were better behaved. Instead, I need to be thankful that I have an incredible husband and two healthy, beautiful children. Finally, when it comes to wealth, I focus on what I do not have. I wish for a larger SUV or van to transport our family, I would love to have a bigger house, a bigger yard, & a house on a farm. I would love to travel the world, etc. I could go on and on with a long list of material possessions that I would love to have. Instead, I should be thankful that I have a house, that I have a car, that I have food to eat. As we learned on Sunday, only 8% of the people in the world have a car – so we are incredibly wealthy by comparison. Over 1billion people live on less than a dollar a day, so how could I ever complain that our family does not have enough money?
The problem with this negative perception of the world is that it seeps into every aspect of your life. I often spend time wishing that I could sing or play an instrument in our praise band, when I should be focusing on the gifts that I have already been blessed with! The other problem with this negative focus is that it creates in us a thirst that will never be quenched. If you are always focusing on what you do not have, you will never be content and fulfilled because you will never have enough. However, if you can learn to focus instead on the many blessings that you do have, you will learn that you have more than enough, and you probably have plenty left over to share.
The challenge this week is to try to change your perspective. Once a day, try to focus on something positive in your life – a blessing from God. Take time to thank God for the blessing. By doing this, you will begin to change your perspective – you will begin to focus on what you do have instead of what you lack. This will also help you begin to acknowledge that all that you do have is truly a blessing – not something that you have earned, but something to praise God and thank him for, and perhaps it is even something to share.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Pride & Family
Mike has been preaching about the Top 4 American Idols. This week he spoke about Family as an idol. This message was difficult for me because I realize that my family is an idol for me.
Luke 14:25-27 states:
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Mike explained that the word hate, when translated, actually means “love less”, such that Jesus was saying, If you don’t ‘love your family less than me….” Mike then explained that we often say, “I only want what is best for my family.” However, that is the problem because we should say, “God, I want what is best for your family.” When we say we want what is best for our family, we are focusing on what we want - we are being selfish, controlling, and prideful. Even with this explanation of the scripture, it is still difficult to apply to my life.
If you asked me before this sermon if my family was an idol in my life, I would insist that my family is not an idol. However, as the old saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.” Even though I insist that I trust God with my family, my actions prove otherwise. For example, I worry about whether Jacob should be in preschool, whether I am doing a disservice to my family by working outside the home, whether my children are being treated fairly by their friends, whether I have my kids involved in too many or too few activities, etc. I also try to control the outcome of my family’s lives. For example, the deepest desire of my heart is that my kids, my husband, my parents, and my family be happy. I often put pressure on myself to make events “perfect” so that my family can be happy. I think that if I can just convince my husband or my kids to change a few things about their lives, they will be happy. I actually think that I can control their happiness!
The problem with this is that it is a symptom of my pride. I never thought that I had a problem with pride, but I do. Although I say that I trust God to do what is best for my family, I believe in my heart that I not only know what is best for my family, but I believe that I can control my family to ensure that only the best things happen for my family.
C.S. Lewis wrote:
According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.
* * * *
The Christians are right: it is Pride which has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the world began. Other vices may sometimes bring people together: you may find good fellowship and jokes and friendliness among drunken people or unchaste people. But pride always means enmity - it is enmity. And not only enmity between man and man, but enmity to God.
Because of Mike’s sermon, I have realized that my desire that my family be “happy” is what I want for my family. I need to prayerfully ask God to forgive me for my pride, and I need to trust God with the family that he has blessed me to care for. I have learned that God did not put me on this Earth as an “owner” of my family, but I am instead entrusted to care for them and love them.
I would like to challenge each of you to prayerfully consider the idols that you may have in your life. In doing so, consider what your actions say about your idols, not just what you would tell others about idols in your life. Your idol may not be your family, but may be beauty, work, or something else. Ask God to show you your idols and to help you rid yourself of the idols that stand in between you and a closer relationship with God.
Luke 14:25-27 states:
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Mike explained that the word hate, when translated, actually means “love less”, such that Jesus was saying, If you don’t ‘love your family less than me….” Mike then explained that we often say, “I only want what is best for my family.” However, that is the problem because we should say, “God, I want what is best for your family.” When we say we want what is best for our family, we are focusing on what we want - we are being selfish, controlling, and prideful. Even with this explanation of the scripture, it is still difficult to apply to my life.
If you asked me before this sermon if my family was an idol in my life, I would insist that my family is not an idol. However, as the old saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.” Even though I insist that I trust God with my family, my actions prove otherwise. For example, I worry about whether Jacob should be in preschool, whether I am doing a disservice to my family by working outside the home, whether my children are being treated fairly by their friends, whether I have my kids involved in too many or too few activities, etc. I also try to control the outcome of my family’s lives. For example, the deepest desire of my heart is that my kids, my husband, my parents, and my family be happy. I often put pressure on myself to make events “perfect” so that my family can be happy. I think that if I can just convince my husband or my kids to change a few things about their lives, they will be happy. I actually think that I can control their happiness!
The problem with this is that it is a symptom of my pride. I never thought that I had a problem with pride, but I do. Although I say that I trust God to do what is best for my family, I believe in my heart that I not only know what is best for my family, but I believe that I can control my family to ensure that only the best things happen for my family.
C.S. Lewis wrote:
According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.
* * * *
The Christians are right: it is Pride which has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the world began. Other vices may sometimes bring people together: you may find good fellowship and jokes and friendliness among drunken people or unchaste people. But pride always means enmity - it is enmity. And not only enmity between man and man, but enmity to God.
Because of Mike’s sermon, I have realized that my desire that my family be “happy” is what I want for my family. I need to prayerfully ask God to forgive me for my pride, and I need to trust God with the family that he has blessed me to care for. I have learned that God did not put me on this Earth as an “owner” of my family, but I am instead entrusted to care for them and love them.
I would like to challenge each of you to prayerfully consider the idols that you may have in your life. In doing so, consider what your actions say about your idols, not just what you would tell others about idols in your life. Your idol may not be your family, but may be beauty, work, or something else. Ask God to show you your idols and to help you rid yourself of the idols that stand in between you and a closer relationship with God.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Where Is Patrick?
Jacob had a preschool party for St. Patrick's Day on Thursday. Jacob was not motivated to go to school, so Mike told Jacob that he needed to go to school to celebarte St. Patrick's day. Jacob asked, "Is it Patrick's birthday?" Mike tried to explain that there is no Patrick - that it is a holiday. Just before they arrived at school, Jacob said, "I can't wait to see what Patrick looks like." When I got home from work, I asked Jacob if they had a party. He said, "No, Patrick was not there."
I am very behind on everything that I need to do. We have been sick and work has been crazy due to some changes that are happening there. I haven't ordered pictures since Christmas, and I have not updated pictures since then. I barely have time to keep up with little things like laundry.
I was doing great on my workout routine until I got sick two weeks ago. I was going to the gym 4 days a week & exercising some at home on the other days. I felt much better, but it is hard to get up at 5:30 am to exercise. The other frustrating part is that I have not lost any weight!
LASIK has been great. I went back to the doctor and he said my eyes are still dry, but not extremely dry. He said that he thinks my eyes will continue to improve. He is very happy with how well I am doing, especially since my prescription was so bad before the laser surgery.
This April will be my 10 year college reunion. It is hard to believe that I have been out of college for 10 years. I hope that I will be able to see a lot of my friends, although it seems that some people will not be able to make it.
I dyed Easter eggs with the kids this week. That was probably not the best activity for a three year old and a not quite 2 year old. The kids lost interest quickly, and we ended up with more broken/cracked eggs than not.
I think that Maria's age is my favorite age. She is so much fun right now. She is learning to talk and is really cute when she says certain words. She still loves to be hugged and adores us. She is also happy the majority of the time and rarely has temper tantrums. I am trying to enjoy this stage because soon enough we will begin potty training, tantrums, independence, etc.
We had book club last week. We discussed the Memory Keepers Daughter. I think most of us enjoyed the book; however, some felt that the author was too descriptive and too wordy at times. Next month we will discuss A Child Called It. I think it will be a very difficult book for me to read, not only because I have kids, but because I am very compassionate.
I am very behind on everything that I need to do. We have been sick and work has been crazy due to some changes that are happening there. I haven't ordered pictures since Christmas, and I have not updated pictures since then. I barely have time to keep up with little things like laundry.
I was doing great on my workout routine until I got sick two weeks ago. I was going to the gym 4 days a week & exercising some at home on the other days. I felt much better, but it is hard to get up at 5:30 am to exercise. The other frustrating part is that I have not lost any weight!
LASIK has been great. I went back to the doctor and he said my eyes are still dry, but not extremely dry. He said that he thinks my eyes will continue to improve. He is very happy with how well I am doing, especially since my prescription was so bad before the laser surgery.
This April will be my 10 year college reunion. It is hard to believe that I have been out of college for 10 years. I hope that I will be able to see a lot of my friends, although it seems that some people will not be able to make it.
I dyed Easter eggs with the kids this week. That was probably not the best activity for a three year old and a not quite 2 year old. The kids lost interest quickly, and we ended up with more broken/cracked eggs than not.
I think that Maria's age is my favorite age. She is so much fun right now. She is learning to talk and is really cute when she says certain words. She still loves to be hugged and adores us. She is also happy the majority of the time and rarely has temper tantrums. I am trying to enjoy this stage because soon enough we will begin potty training, tantrums, independence, etc.
We had book club last week. We discussed the Memory Keepers Daughter. I think most of us enjoyed the book; however, some felt that the author was too descriptive and too wordy at times. Next month we will discuss A Child Called It. I think it will be a very difficult book for me to read, not only because I have kids, but because I am very compassionate.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Prayer: Put Your Best Face Forward
I love social networking sites like myspace (www.myspace.com). I love these sites because I have found old friends and met lots of interesting people. For those of you that are unfamiliar with these sites, you can upload pictures of yourself, design a page with colors you like, and set up a profile with your interests and facts about you (favorite books, tv shows, etc.)
This week I thought a lot about myspace. One thing that is so striking about myspace is that the profiles always seem to paint such a positive picture of the person. In fact, I would venture a guess that most of the descriptions on myspace are not so much descriptions of who we are, but are instead descriptions of who we want the world to believe we are. For example, if you read my profile, you will find out that I work as an attorney at a job I love, that I have a beautiful family that I adore, and that I love to read, have intellectual debates, and drink flavored coffee and tea. Every picture on the page is a flattering photo that captures either my family or me at our best – smiling and happy for the camera. They will also find that I have over 130 “friends.”
Everything that is on my profile is true and accurate. However, those that are closest to me know that simply because the words and pictures that are on the page are true and accurate does not mean that the profile paints a complete picture of who I am. My closest family and friends will tell you that I am not always smiling. They also know that sometimes I get frustrated with my family, and sometimes, despite all of my friends, I feel lonely. I often feel guilty about working outside the home and feeling torn between my career and my family. And although I do enjoy a good intellectual debate, sometimes I am just tired and not up for it.
I know that at this point you are probably wanting me to get to the point. The point is this – myspace is sort of like a personal ad. If you are smart, you are going to “advertise” the best qualities about yourself and your life. However, this is not a phenomena unique to social networking sites. The majority of us lead our lives the way that we treat a social networking site. We let others see the part of us that we want them to see. We show them the characteristics of us that we feel are most appealing. We do this in an attempt to gain love, affection, respect, power, and status. I think that we also try to do this with God. We spend much of our prayer life trying to show God the part of us that we think he wants to see. We are not “lying” to others or to God when we do this - we are simply not revealing the whole of ourselves.
Psalm 17:1-5 (The Message) states:
1-2 Listen while I build my case, God, the most honest prayer you'll ever hear.
Show the world I'm innocent—
in your heart you know I am.
3 Go ahead, examine me from inside out,
surprise me in the middle of the night—
You'll find I'm just what I say I am.
My words don't run loose.
4-5 I'm not trying to get my way
in the world's way.
I'm trying to get your way,
your Word's way.
I'm staying on your trail;
I'm putting one foot
In front of the other.
I'm not giving up.
I think this scripture speaks for itself. How many of us can say to God, “examine me from the inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night – You’ll find I’m just what I say I am.” How many of us could say that to our nearest and closest friends and family?
In order to grow, we have to be real. Being real means that sometimes we have to reveal to God and to others, as well as acknowledge to ourselves, that we have weaknesses, fears, sins, and problems. It is only when we are honest with ourselves, others, and God that we can begin to change.
This week I thought a lot about myspace. One thing that is so striking about myspace is that the profiles always seem to paint such a positive picture of the person. In fact, I would venture a guess that most of the descriptions on myspace are not so much descriptions of who we are, but are instead descriptions of who we want the world to believe we are. For example, if you read my profile, you will find out that I work as an attorney at a job I love, that I have a beautiful family that I adore, and that I love to read, have intellectual debates, and drink flavored coffee and tea. Every picture on the page is a flattering photo that captures either my family or me at our best – smiling and happy for the camera. They will also find that I have over 130 “friends.”
Everything that is on my profile is true and accurate. However, those that are closest to me know that simply because the words and pictures that are on the page are true and accurate does not mean that the profile paints a complete picture of who I am. My closest family and friends will tell you that I am not always smiling. They also know that sometimes I get frustrated with my family, and sometimes, despite all of my friends, I feel lonely. I often feel guilty about working outside the home and feeling torn between my career and my family. And although I do enjoy a good intellectual debate, sometimes I am just tired and not up for it.
I know that at this point you are probably wanting me to get to the point. The point is this – myspace is sort of like a personal ad. If you are smart, you are going to “advertise” the best qualities about yourself and your life. However, this is not a phenomena unique to social networking sites. The majority of us lead our lives the way that we treat a social networking site. We let others see the part of us that we want them to see. We show them the characteristics of us that we feel are most appealing. We do this in an attempt to gain love, affection, respect, power, and status. I think that we also try to do this with God. We spend much of our prayer life trying to show God the part of us that we think he wants to see. We are not “lying” to others or to God when we do this - we are simply not revealing the whole of ourselves.
Psalm 17:1-5 (The Message) states:
1-2 Listen while I build my case, God, the most honest prayer you'll ever hear.
Show the world I'm innocent—
in your heart you know I am.
3 Go ahead, examine me from inside out,
surprise me in the middle of the night—
You'll find I'm just what I say I am.
My words don't run loose.
4-5 I'm not trying to get my way
in the world's way.
I'm trying to get your way,
your Word's way.
I'm staying on your trail;
I'm putting one foot
In front of the other.
I'm not giving up.
I think this scripture speaks for itself. How many of us can say to God, “examine me from the inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night – You’ll find I’m just what I say I am.” How many of us could say that to our nearest and closest friends and family?
In order to grow, we have to be real. Being real means that sometimes we have to reveal to God and to others, as well as acknowledge to ourselves, that we have weaknesses, fears, sins, and problems. It is only when we are honest with ourselves, others, and God that we can begin to change.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Prayer: Silence
I am reading a challenging and fascinating book, A Center of Quiet: Hearing God When Life Is Noisy by David Runcorn. The book is great, but I can’t seem to get past the first chapter. I have this problem because the book challenges the reader to spend some “quiet time” alone with God daily. I know many of you may not find this shocking, but when this book talks about quite time, it is not referring to prayer time (when I am talking to God), and it is not referring to Bible study. In fact, the author points out that the evangelical style of “quite time” is the discipline of daily prayer and Bible reading. Although these disciplines are essential to the Christian, and have their place, what is often missed by many of us is the need to actually sit in SILENCE and open ourselves up to God. The author states that he learned to be disciplined and structured in his prayer and Bible reading from evangelical Christians, but it was the Catholic and Orthodox traditions of the church that revealed the need to follow Jesus into the desert so that he could learn to be alone and silent before God.
This is difficult for me. I am such an extrovert that I hate to be alone. And, to make matters worse, when I try to be silent, my mind becomes even noisier as I think of the many things I need to do that day. All of these are obstacles to silence, not to mention the fact that I work as an attorney, have a husband and two small children, along with numerous other responsibilities.
According to the book, this is normal. The author also understands that busy people may not be able to run off for 2 hours of silence. However, he encourages the reader to think of a few of the moments and places that the reader could be quite during the day.
No matter how busy we are, we can each find 5 minutes in our day to be quiet. Once you have found this time, try this exercise from the book:
Choose a comfortable but alert posture. Sit quietly for a moment, letting your body settle down. Let your breathing find its rhythm. Deepen your breathing slightly. Let your body relax and then breath in with the prayer “Lord Jesus Christ” and breathe out “Have mercy on me.” By doing this, you will be inviting Christ to clear out the clutter and noise within. Quietly repeat the prayer for a while on the rhythm of your breathing. When you are ready, be completely silent for a moment, and then, if you wish, close with a prayer of your own.
This is difficult for me. I am such an extrovert that I hate to be alone. And, to make matters worse, when I try to be silent, my mind becomes even noisier as I think of the many things I need to do that day. All of these are obstacles to silence, not to mention the fact that I work as an attorney, have a husband and two small children, along with numerous other responsibilities.
According to the book, this is normal. The author also understands that busy people may not be able to run off for 2 hours of silence. However, he encourages the reader to think of a few of the moments and places that the reader could be quite during the day.
No matter how busy we are, we can each find 5 minutes in our day to be quiet. Once you have found this time, try this exercise from the book:
Choose a comfortable but alert posture. Sit quietly for a moment, letting your body settle down. Let your breathing find its rhythm. Deepen your breathing slightly. Let your body relax and then breath in with the prayer “Lord Jesus Christ” and breathe out “Have mercy on me.” By doing this, you will be inviting Christ to clear out the clutter and noise within. Quietly repeat the prayer for a while on the rhythm of your breathing. When you are ready, be completely silent for a moment, and then, if you wish, close with a prayer of your own.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Prayer: Love One Another
On Sunday, Mike shared that the Bible is a difficult book to understand, especially if we try to understand it alone. This is because the Bible is a living book, that is meant to be interpreted and read by a community of believers. We began to put this into practice at our Bible Study last night. We focused on what it means to really love God and love others. We discussed the following verse:
“Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40
In this verse, Jesus states that the most important command is to love God with all your heart soul and mind. The second greatest command is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” However, in John, Jesus stated, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35
At our Bible study, we discussed the way that these two commands were the same. Each command instructs us that it is of the utmost importance to God that we love others. We discussed what it means to really love. We also discussed what is different about the verses. In Matthew, we are instructed to love others as we love ourselves, but in John we are instructed to love others as Jesus loved us.
A few things became clear to me in this study of these verses. First, God is the source and essence of love. (“God is love." I John 4:8). If we are to love as God loved us (with an unconditional love), we must know God and be filled with his love. Although many people that do not love God may be able to love others with an “earthly” love, we can only love others with an unconditional love if that love comes from God. Second, God knows our hearts and knows how much we love him and love others. However, the only way OTHERS will know how much we love God is through our actions in loving others. Thus, Jesus instructed us to love others to so that others would see that we love God by our actions.
The challenge this week is to think of one person that you can show God’s love.
Remember, you can also read the prayer email update at http://bethleann.blogspot.com/
Also, as an outreach, the Refinery will be collecting eyeglasses to donate to the Lion’s Club. Please bring your glasses to church and we will deliver them!
“Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40
In this verse, Jesus states that the most important command is to love God with all your heart soul and mind. The second greatest command is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” However, in John, Jesus stated, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35
At our Bible study, we discussed the way that these two commands were the same. Each command instructs us that it is of the utmost importance to God that we love others. We discussed what it means to really love. We also discussed what is different about the verses. In Matthew, we are instructed to love others as we love ourselves, but in John we are instructed to love others as Jesus loved us.
A few things became clear to me in this study of these verses. First, God is the source and essence of love. (“God is love." I John 4:8). If we are to love as God loved us (with an unconditional love), we must know God and be filled with his love. Although many people that do not love God may be able to love others with an “earthly” love, we can only love others with an unconditional love if that love comes from God. Second, God knows our hearts and knows how much we love him and love others. However, the only way OTHERS will know how much we love God is through our actions in loving others. Thus, Jesus instructed us to love others to so that others would see that we love God by our actions.
The challenge this week is to think of one person that you can show God’s love.
Remember, you can also read the prayer email update at http://bethleann.blogspot.com/
Also, as an outreach, the Refinery will be collecting eyeglasses to donate to the Lion’s Club. Please bring your glasses to church and we will deliver them!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Laser Vision (LASIK)
As many of you know, I had LASIK yesterday. My surgery was at 2:15. I spend the majority of Friday morning wishing that the surgery had already passed. I tend to be very nervous and worry, but I simply tried not to think a lot about the risks. I had read extensively about the procedure and knew what I was getting into.
We showed up at WFUBMC at 2:15. The nurse gave me a "mild sedative". We were then taken back to the room where they would perform the surgery. I sat on the table and put my hair up in a net. I was not allowed to wear any makeup for the 2 days before surgery and the day of surgery. I also washed my face 2 times a day with antibacterial soap. No make up was tough!
I sat on the table and Mike held my hand. I laid down and I saw a machine with some flashing red and green lights above me. The doctor talked throughout the procedure. First, he put drops in to numb my eye. Then he put numbing medicine around my eyelids. He then taped my eyelid up so that my eye was taped open. He then took something to "mark" on my eye. I did not feel anything. He then put a device over my eye and told me I would feel some suction and that I should stare at the lights above me. The instrument was a microkeratome,a nd it was used to create thin, circular flap in my cornea. I felt some pressure, but no pain. My vision gradually went black. When he took the suction off, they put water in my eye. At that point, I could sort of see the red and green lights above me but they looked hazy, as if I was looking through vaseline. He told me that all was going well. The surgeon then folded the flap back (mike said it looked like a thin filmy substance) and he told me to stare at the lights. I stared into the laser and they had to pulse for about 30 seconds. He said the laser would track my pupil. I smelled a slight smell like burning hair. The laser stopped and he washed my eye. He then folded the flap back and smoothed it out. He did the procedure on the right eye first then the left.
The entire procedure took very little time. When I walked out, my vision was very blurry. I sat in the car with my eyes closed, and each time I opened my eyes, my vision had improved some. My vision was still hazy but for the first time since fourth grade I could read some road signs. When I got home, I went to bed. Mike woke me up at 8 pm to take my medicine and for the first time ever I could see the alarm clock! I was so excited.
Saturday I went back in for a check up. I found out my vision was 10/25 and it may continue to get better. Before the surgery, I could not see the eye chart - I could only see a white blob on the wall. My eyes are still a little dry, but so far so good!
We showed up at WFUBMC at 2:15. The nurse gave me a "mild sedative". We were then taken back to the room where they would perform the surgery. I sat on the table and put my hair up in a net. I was not allowed to wear any makeup for the 2 days before surgery and the day of surgery. I also washed my face 2 times a day with antibacterial soap. No make up was tough!
I sat on the table and Mike held my hand. I laid down and I saw a machine with some flashing red and green lights above me. The doctor talked throughout the procedure. First, he put drops in to numb my eye. Then he put numbing medicine around my eyelids. He then taped my eyelid up so that my eye was taped open. He then took something to "mark" on my eye. I did not feel anything. He then put a device over my eye and told me I would feel some suction and that I should stare at the lights above me. The instrument was a microkeratome,a nd it was used to create thin, circular flap in my cornea. I felt some pressure, but no pain. My vision gradually went black. When he took the suction off, they put water in my eye. At that point, I could sort of see the red and green lights above me but they looked hazy, as if I was looking through vaseline. He told me that all was going well. The surgeon then folded the flap back (mike said it looked like a thin filmy substance) and he told me to stare at the lights. I stared into the laser and they had to pulse for about 30 seconds. He said the laser would track my pupil. I smelled a slight smell like burning hair. The laser stopped and he washed my eye. He then folded the flap back and smoothed it out. He did the procedure on the right eye first then the left.
The entire procedure took very little time. When I walked out, my vision was very blurry. I sat in the car with my eyes closed, and each time I opened my eyes, my vision had improved some. My vision was still hazy but for the first time since fourth grade I could read some road signs. When I got home, I went to bed. Mike woke me up at 8 pm to take my medicine and for the first time ever I could see the alarm clock! I was so excited.
Saturday I went back in for a check up. I found out my vision was 10/25 and it may continue to get better. Before the surgery, I could not see the eye chart - I could only see a white blob on the wall. My eyes are still a little dry, but so far so good!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Lent
The season of Lent is upon us. We had a beautiful Ash Wednesday Service last night. Mike shared this scripture:
Ephesians 4:28 (New International Version): He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
I loved Mike’s take on the season of Lent. According to the verse and Mike’s challenge, it is not enough to simply give something up. If you give something up, it leaves an empty space. Thus, we were challenged to fill the space that is left by what we give up by taking on something positive. We each wrote down what we are giving up and what we are taking on.
I have decided to give up sweets, sodas, sweet tea, etc. I chose this not only because this will be a true sacrifice, but also because like many people, I tend to turn to sweets and crave sweets when I am stressed and to help me with an emotional need. I have decided to take on encouraging acts for others. When I crave sweets, I plan to focus on something outside of myself – I plan to write an email to encourage a friend, send a note to someone that is lonely, or do something nice to brighten someone’s day. I hope that by taking the focus off of myself, I will be able to be more Christ like.
On another note, I have been working out regularly at the gym. I get up at 5:30 am 4 mornings a week to work out for an hour. I lift weights 2 days a week and do aerobic activity 4 days a week. When I have time I still do Yoga. I have not lost weight, instead I have gained. However, I can tell that I have toned up and my cloths fit better. If nothing else, I am much less stressed and at least I feel healthier!
I am having laser vision surgery tomorrow. I am nervous, but at the same time I am so excited. I have worn glasses since fourth grade. My vision is so bad that I cannot see anything on the eye chart – I only see a white blob. I also have astigmatism. For about the past year I have not been able to wear contacts. I am excited about the freedom that I will have from glasses.
Ephesians 4:28 (New International Version): He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
I loved Mike’s take on the season of Lent. According to the verse and Mike’s challenge, it is not enough to simply give something up. If you give something up, it leaves an empty space. Thus, we were challenged to fill the space that is left by what we give up by taking on something positive. We each wrote down what we are giving up and what we are taking on.
I have decided to give up sweets, sodas, sweet tea, etc. I chose this not only because this will be a true sacrifice, but also because like many people, I tend to turn to sweets and crave sweets when I am stressed and to help me with an emotional need. I have decided to take on encouraging acts for others. When I crave sweets, I plan to focus on something outside of myself – I plan to write an email to encourage a friend, send a note to someone that is lonely, or do something nice to brighten someone’s day. I hope that by taking the focus off of myself, I will be able to be more Christ like.
On another note, I have been working out regularly at the gym. I get up at 5:30 am 4 mornings a week to work out for an hour. I lift weights 2 days a week and do aerobic activity 4 days a week. When I have time I still do Yoga. I have not lost weight, instead I have gained. However, I can tell that I have toned up and my cloths fit better. If nothing else, I am much less stressed and at least I feel healthier!
I am having laser vision surgery tomorrow. I am nervous, but at the same time I am so excited. I have worn glasses since fourth grade. My vision is so bad that I cannot see anything on the eye chart – I only see a white blob. I also have astigmatism. For about the past year I have not been able to wear contacts. I am excited about the freedom that I will have from glasses.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Accountability
This week, I read a challenging article from Christianity Today. The article was about caring enough to confront those that we love. Basically, the article focused on the fact that as Christians, it is much easier to be cheerleaders than correction officers. However, the article stressed that, “if we truly love people, we want what’s best for them – and sometimes that best requires confrontation and discipline.” (Caring Enough to Confront, www.christiantiytoday.com).
Matthew 18:15-17 states:
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”
The Bible is clear that when another believer is in a pattern of sinful behavior, we as believers, are to lovingly confront the believer in private. I want to emphasize that this does not mean that we need to be the sin police and point out every single sin that we observe in our fellow believers. However, when we witness a fellow believer in a pattern of sin, it is our obligation to hold them accountable.
This is a very difficult thing to do. For this reason, we should consider the following. First, are we motivated by the right reasons? We should only confront another believer that we feel is in a pattern of sinful behavior if we are doing it out of love for the believer (we should not do it out because we are hurt, or angry, or because we want to make ourselves feel better). Second, we need to pray! We need to ask God for guidance and wisdom. Third, we need to look to the Bible. (see Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness …”). As the article states, “Christians have different opinions on matters ranging from drinking to managing money; it’s not our place to impose our viewpoints on others. When it comes to scriptural principles, however, we have grounds for confrontation.” (Caring Enough to Confront, www.christiantiytoday.com)
As I shared this Sunday, one of the most important gifts that we can give believers and unbelievers alike is a glimpse of unconditional love. Unconditional love, however, does not mean that we turn our head to every bad and self destructive behavior. Sometimes unconditional love means loving someone enough to risk making them angry in order to point out God’s truth for their lives.
Remember, you can also read the prayer email update at http://bethleann.blogspot.com/
Also, as an outreach, the Refinery will be collecting eyeglasses to donate to the Lion’s Club. Please bring your glasses to church and we will deliver them!
Matthew 18:15-17 states:
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”
The Bible is clear that when another believer is in a pattern of sinful behavior, we as believers, are to lovingly confront the believer in private. I want to emphasize that this does not mean that we need to be the sin police and point out every single sin that we observe in our fellow believers. However, when we witness a fellow believer in a pattern of sin, it is our obligation to hold them accountable.
This is a very difficult thing to do. For this reason, we should consider the following. First, are we motivated by the right reasons? We should only confront another believer that we feel is in a pattern of sinful behavior if we are doing it out of love for the believer (we should not do it out because we are hurt, or angry, or because we want to make ourselves feel better). Second, we need to pray! We need to ask God for guidance and wisdom. Third, we need to look to the Bible. (see Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness …”). As the article states, “Christians have different opinions on matters ranging from drinking to managing money; it’s not our place to impose our viewpoints on others. When it comes to scriptural principles, however, we have grounds for confrontation.” (Caring Enough to Confront, www.christiantiytoday.com)
As I shared this Sunday, one of the most important gifts that we can give believers and unbelievers alike is a glimpse of unconditional love. Unconditional love, however, does not mean that we turn our head to every bad and self destructive behavior. Sometimes unconditional love means loving someone enough to risk making them angry in order to point out God’s truth for their lives.
Remember, you can also read the prayer email update at http://bethleann.blogspot.com/
Also, as an outreach, the Refinery will be collecting eyeglasses to donate to the Lion’s Club. Please bring your glasses to church and we will deliver them!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Prayer Week 5: Practicing the Presence of God
When Mike approached me about leading the prayer ministry, I felt very ill equipped. Of course I pray, but I also knew that I was not the prayer warrior that I envision the leader of a prayer ministry to be. In fact, I sometimes struggle with prayer. I struggle because I don’t always know what to say, or how to ask for what I need. I also struggle because sometimes when I sit down to pray, I get distracted and lose track of my prayers. Another struggle that I sometimes have is what I should pray for – for example, I struggle with the will of God – can my prayers and requests really change the will of God? Do my prayers matter? Is God listening?
During Christmas of 2003, one of my dearest friends gave me a book, The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. I read the book a few years ago, but when I saw the book on my shelf again, I felt drawn to it. When I read this book now, it is as if it was written just for me. The book is a collection of letters and interviews with Brother Lawrence. Brother Lawrence served his brothers by working in a kitchen – a task to which he naturally had a great aversion (maybe this is why the book speaks to me – I also hate the kitchen!) However, Brother Lawrence is not at all like me. Despite working in the kitchen, which he naturally did not like, Brother Lawrence accustomed himself “to do everything [in the kitchen] for the love of God, and with prayer, upon all occasions.” (page 20). I quickly learned that Brother Lawrence viewed even the most menial task as a way to praise God and worship him. In an interview, he stated that we should give ourselves up to God, and “seek our satisfaction only in the fulfilling of his will, whether He lead us by suffering or by consolation, for all would be equal to a soul truly resigned.” (page 16)
When asked how he found himself in constant communion with God, he responded that he tried to do all “for the love of God, seeking Him only, and nothing else, not even His gifts.” (page 17). He stated, “we ought to act with God in the greatest simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring His assistance in our affairs, just as they happen.” (page 19). Brother Lawrence stated that finding himself in the constant presence of God was not easy at first, but he accomplished this by having “no other care at first but faithfully to reject every other thought, that he might perform all his actions for the love of God.”
Needless to say, these passages have challenged me. This book has clearly pointed out the reasons I have problems with prayer. First, I make prayer too complicated. I worry about the proper way to ask for things, and I am concerned with praying the “churchy” way. However, as Brother Lawrence stated, we should simply “act with God in the greatest simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly.” Prayer is not complicated. It is simply a conversation with God.
I was most challenged by the motives behind Brother Lawrence’s prayers. I often ponder whether I can change the will of God with my prayers. However, this is a moot point. Prayer for Brother Lawrence was not about changing his circumstances. Prayer was also not about seeking his gifts. How many of us can say that? The majority of my prayers tend to be asking God to change this situation or that situation in my life. I also spend a lot of time asking God for his gifts.
However, Brother Lawrence’s prayers do not focus on his outward circumstances at all. When Brother Lawrence prayed, he prayed to be closer to God, he prayed to “perform all his actions for the love of God.” This is a hard pill to swallow. Most of us would rather beg God to change our lives and fix our circumstances. Then we become discouraged, angry and bitter when God does not “answer” our prayers. However, the point of prayer is to draw us closer to God – closer to a complete and constant communion with God. Through prayer, our relationship with God should develop to the point that our prayers are simply prayers for God’s will – because our will will become God’s will.
This is hard – I know it is hard for me because I am selfish. It is scary and hard to ask to be more like God, and it is terrifying to seek only to live life for the love of God. However, in the book, it is clear that Brother Lawrence was at peace and content in the presence of God.
If we truly seek peace, and if we want our prayers to be answered, we have to start by having frank and honest discussions with God. Most importantly, we have to begin to take the focus off of our external circumstances, and we have to begin to pray for our inner souls. We have to seek to live a life by which we perform all of our actions for the love of God.
The challenge this week is to pray to do everything in our lives (even the tasks that we hate) for the love of God, and with prayer, upon all occasions.
Remember, you can also read the prayer email update at http://bethleann.blogspot.com/
Also, as an outreach, the Refinery will be collecting eyeglasses to donate to the Lion’s Club. Please bring your glasses to church and we will deliver them!
During Christmas of 2003, one of my dearest friends gave me a book, The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. I read the book a few years ago, but when I saw the book on my shelf again, I felt drawn to it. When I read this book now, it is as if it was written just for me. The book is a collection of letters and interviews with Brother Lawrence. Brother Lawrence served his brothers by working in a kitchen – a task to which he naturally had a great aversion (maybe this is why the book speaks to me – I also hate the kitchen!) However, Brother Lawrence is not at all like me. Despite working in the kitchen, which he naturally did not like, Brother Lawrence accustomed himself “to do everything [in the kitchen] for the love of God, and with prayer, upon all occasions.” (page 20). I quickly learned that Brother Lawrence viewed even the most menial task as a way to praise God and worship him. In an interview, he stated that we should give ourselves up to God, and “seek our satisfaction only in the fulfilling of his will, whether He lead us by suffering or by consolation, for all would be equal to a soul truly resigned.” (page 16)
When asked how he found himself in constant communion with God, he responded that he tried to do all “for the love of God, seeking Him only, and nothing else, not even His gifts.” (page 17). He stated, “we ought to act with God in the greatest simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring His assistance in our affairs, just as they happen.” (page 19). Brother Lawrence stated that finding himself in the constant presence of God was not easy at first, but he accomplished this by having “no other care at first but faithfully to reject every other thought, that he might perform all his actions for the love of God.”
Needless to say, these passages have challenged me. This book has clearly pointed out the reasons I have problems with prayer. First, I make prayer too complicated. I worry about the proper way to ask for things, and I am concerned with praying the “churchy” way. However, as Brother Lawrence stated, we should simply “act with God in the greatest simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly.” Prayer is not complicated. It is simply a conversation with God.
I was most challenged by the motives behind Brother Lawrence’s prayers. I often ponder whether I can change the will of God with my prayers. However, this is a moot point. Prayer for Brother Lawrence was not about changing his circumstances. Prayer was also not about seeking his gifts. How many of us can say that? The majority of my prayers tend to be asking God to change this situation or that situation in my life. I also spend a lot of time asking God for his gifts.
However, Brother Lawrence’s prayers do not focus on his outward circumstances at all. When Brother Lawrence prayed, he prayed to be closer to God, he prayed to “perform all his actions for the love of God.” This is a hard pill to swallow. Most of us would rather beg God to change our lives and fix our circumstances. Then we become discouraged, angry and bitter when God does not “answer” our prayers. However, the point of prayer is to draw us closer to God – closer to a complete and constant communion with God. Through prayer, our relationship with God should develop to the point that our prayers are simply prayers for God’s will – because our will will become God’s will.
This is hard – I know it is hard for me because I am selfish. It is scary and hard to ask to be more like God, and it is terrifying to seek only to live life for the love of God. However, in the book, it is clear that Brother Lawrence was at peace and content in the presence of God.
If we truly seek peace, and if we want our prayers to be answered, we have to start by having frank and honest discussions with God. Most importantly, we have to begin to take the focus off of our external circumstances, and we have to begin to pray for our inner souls. We have to seek to live a life by which we perform all of our actions for the love of God.
The challenge this week is to pray to do everything in our lives (even the tasks that we hate) for the love of God, and with prayer, upon all occasions.
Remember, you can also read the prayer email update at http://bethleann.blogspot.com/
Also, as an outreach, the Refinery will be collecting eyeglasses to donate to the Lion’s Club. Please bring your glasses to church and we will deliver them!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Prayer Week 4: Church
Dave shared his story with us this week. Dave made 2 statements that stood out to me. First, he stated that salvation did not take his pain away, but it gave him a foundation and someone to turn to other than himself. I think this statement is so profound because people often think that salvation will solve all of their problems. While salvation does not mean that you have an easy life with no burdens, salvation does give you a foundation to build your life upon, and it gives you a Savior to turn to no matter what the circumstances.
Dave also stressed the importance of having a Christian mentor to help him after he was saved. I think that the church is often so busy trying to make sure that people “get saved” that they often forget that salvation and a walk with Christ is a journey, not a destination. I point these statements out to you so that you can remember that while evangelism is important, discipleship is also crucial.
Dave’s talk also tied in well with the message which was about the role the church is to play in “fishing”. In the message, the point was made that often church tends to be a barrier to fishing instead of acting as a partner.
One of the main points of the message was that the church needs to work to create an environment so that it can be in a partnership with believers that are attempting to be “fishers of men”. Matthew 18:19-20 states:
Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.
According to this scripture, when we gather together as a group of believers, and we are truly together to further God’s plan, not our own agenda, God will be present. As the message stated, churches should be a place that lives out the “come and see principle”. Basically, our church should be so irresistible, that if we just ask someone to come, they will be drawn to our church because they will know that God is in our church.
We each need to prayerfully consider the following:
1. Is our church a place that is so irresistible that people are drawn to it because they feel the presence of God when they are there?
2. If our church is not, what can you do to make our church that irresistible place? Do you need to set aside your own agenda and come to church committed to God’s greater purpose? Do you have a spiritual gift that you are not using that could further a ministry? Do you know of a person that needs a spiritual mentor that you can help?
This week, ask God to show you how you can make our church an irresistible place.
Remember, you can also read the prayer email update at http://bethleann.blogspot.com/
Also, as an outreach, the Refinery will be collecting eye glasses to donate to the Lion’s Club. Please bring your glasses to church and we will deliver them
Dave also stressed the importance of having a Christian mentor to help him after he was saved. I think that the church is often so busy trying to make sure that people “get saved” that they often forget that salvation and a walk with Christ is a journey, not a destination. I point these statements out to you so that you can remember that while evangelism is important, discipleship is also crucial.
Dave’s talk also tied in well with the message which was about the role the church is to play in “fishing”. In the message, the point was made that often church tends to be a barrier to fishing instead of acting as a partner.
One of the main points of the message was that the church needs to work to create an environment so that it can be in a partnership with believers that are attempting to be “fishers of men”. Matthew 18:19-20 states:
Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.
According to this scripture, when we gather together as a group of believers, and we are truly together to further God’s plan, not our own agenda, God will be present. As the message stated, churches should be a place that lives out the “come and see principle”. Basically, our church should be so irresistible, that if we just ask someone to come, they will be drawn to our church because they will know that God is in our church.
We each need to prayerfully consider the following:
1. Is our church a place that is so irresistible that people are drawn to it because they feel the presence of God when they are there?
2. If our church is not, what can you do to make our church that irresistible place? Do you need to set aside your own agenda and come to church committed to God’s greater purpose? Do you have a spiritual gift that you are not using that could further a ministry? Do you know of a person that needs a spiritual mentor that you can help?
This week, ask God to show you how you can make our church an irresistible place.
Remember, you can also read the prayer email update at http://bethleann.blogspot.com/
Also, as an outreach, the Refinery will be collecting eye glasses to donate to the Lion’s Club. Please bring your glasses to church and we will deliver them
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Prayer Week 3: Boldness
This past Sunday, Kristie shared her story with the church. While she was speaking, she used a beautiful analogy for sharing the love of Christ with others. She stated that she likes to think that we are the “calloused hands of Christ.” This statement is beautiful because it reveals that while we are the hands and feet of Christ, we are not perfect. We have problems and imperfections, but these calluses should not prevent us from sharing the love of Christ with others.
Kristie’s story tied in well with the sermon which discussed boldness. In Acts 4:29-30, the disciples were bold. This passage states:
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
In this passage, the people understood that God is all knowing, all powerful, and completely in control. They did not understand God’s plan, but they knew that they wanted to be active participants in God’s plan. So they simply prayed for boldness.
As various people have shared at church, we have learned that each person has a different story. They also each have a different method of sharing the love of Christ. However, instead of getting hung up on whether they are using the right method, or whether their story is good enough, they have simply decided to speak with boldness and share with others.
Another point that has been made is that “boldness” is not standing on the street corner and shouting to strangers. Boldness is having the courage to help and share with those that are near us each day.
This week, reflect on whether you truly want to be a participant in God’s sovereign plan. If so, the challenge is to pray for boldness.
Also, as an outreach, the Refinery will be collecting eye glasses to donate to the Lion’s Club. Please bring your glasses to church and we will deliver them!
Kristie’s story tied in well with the sermon which discussed boldness. In Acts 4:29-30, the disciples were bold. This passage states:
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
In this passage, the people understood that God is all knowing, all powerful, and completely in control. They did not understand God’s plan, but they knew that they wanted to be active participants in God’s plan. So they simply prayed for boldness.
As various people have shared at church, we have learned that each person has a different story. They also each have a different method of sharing the love of Christ. However, instead of getting hung up on whether they are using the right method, or whether their story is good enough, they have simply decided to speak with boldness and share with others.
Another point that has been made is that “boldness” is not standing on the street corner and shouting to strangers. Boldness is having the courage to help and share with those that are near us each day.
This week, reflect on whether you truly want to be a participant in God’s sovereign plan. If so, the challenge is to pray for boldness.
Also, as an outreach, the Refinery will be collecting eye glasses to donate to the Lion’s Club. Please bring your glasses to church and we will deliver them!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Book Club List 2007
BOOK CLUB LIST FOR '07
Where: Meeting at Panera Bread in Kernersville @ 7:00pm
February 13th: “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer
March 13th: “The Memory Keepers Daughter” by Kim Edwards
April 10th: “Boy called it” by Dave Pelzer
May 8th: “Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden
June 12th: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
July 10th: “1984” by George Orwell
Where: Meeting at Panera Bread in Kernersville @ 7:00pm
February 13th: “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer
March 13th: “The Memory Keepers Daughter” by Kim Edwards
April 10th: “Boy called it” by Dave Pelzer
May 8th: “Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden
June 12th: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
July 10th: “1984” by George Orwell
Monday, January 22, 2007
Prayer Week 2: Praise and Thanks
In Mike’s sermon on Sunday, he talked about why we should “fish” (why we should share our faith). First, he stated that we should share our faith because someone cared enough about us to share with us. Second, he stated that we should share our faith because we can’t help it. (See Acts 4:20 – “For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”)
In addition to the desire to share Christ, I think the same can be said about Praising God. I think that we often become so focused on the “I want” and “I need” of prayer that we forget to praise God and say thank you for answered prayers. The problem is that we are so focused on asking God for things that we forget to thank God and praise God. This is not the way our prayer life should be. Instead, we should feel that we can’t help but praise God for the things he has done.
I have been reading C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms. In this book, Lewis has much to say about praise. The book states:
"I had never noticed that all enjoyment spontaneously overflows into praise......The world rings with praise – lovers praising their mistresses, readers their favorite poet, walkers praising the countryside, players praising their favorite game..... I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation." (p.80.)
The book also says, "The Psalmists in telling everyone to praise God are doing what all men do when they speak of what they care about.”
Lewis is making the point that praising God is not one more item to check off of our “to do list for prayer”. But instead, praise should be natural to us as a natural expression of our appreciation of something.
I would like to encourage everyone to not only submit prayer requests to this list, but also let us know when God answers a prayer. Also, feel free to share praises with the Refinery Church family.
Remember, you can also read the prayer email update at http://bethleann.blogspot.com/
In addition to the desire to share Christ, I think the same can be said about Praising God. I think that we often become so focused on the “I want” and “I need” of prayer that we forget to praise God and say thank you for answered prayers. The problem is that we are so focused on asking God for things that we forget to thank God and praise God. This is not the way our prayer life should be. Instead, we should feel that we can’t help but praise God for the things he has done.
I have been reading C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms. In this book, Lewis has much to say about praise. The book states:
"I had never noticed that all enjoyment spontaneously overflows into praise......The world rings with praise – lovers praising their mistresses, readers their favorite poet, walkers praising the countryside, players praising their favorite game..... I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation." (p.80.)
The book also says, "The Psalmists in telling everyone to praise God are doing what all men do when they speak of what they care about.”
Lewis is making the point that praising God is not one more item to check off of our “to do list for prayer”. But instead, praise should be natural to us as a natural expression of our appreciation of something.
I would like to encourage everyone to not only submit prayer requests to this list, but also let us know when God answers a prayer. Also, feel free to share praises with the Refinery Church family.
Remember, you can also read the prayer email update at http://bethleann.blogspot.com/
Monday, January 15, 2007
Prayer: Gifts & Talents
As many of you know, I am now responsible for the Prayer Ministry at the Refinery. Along with other changes for 2007, everyone will be receiving the weekly prayer updates and prayer requests. I want to encourage all active members of the Refinery to use the Refinery Prayer Ministry to grow in your faith.
Last week, as I was dressing Jacob, I put a polo shirt on him. He asked to button the very top button. Being stylish, I encouraged him to leave the button unbuttoned. However, he insisted that he wanted to button the top button. Jacob adores his dad, so I decided to encourage him to leave the top button unbuttoned by saying, “Daddy doesn’t button the top button. Don’t you want to leave the top button unbuttoned to be like Daddy?” Jacob responded, “No. I don’t want to be like Daddy. I want to be like me.” Jacob did not realize it, but he made a profound statement. At three years old, Jacob understands that he is an individual, and his individuality is a gift to be cherished, not something to throw away in an attempt to conform to the world around him.
Romans 12:4-8 says:
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
God has created each of us with unique talents and gifts. God has made us with unique gifts so that we can complement one another.
In Mike’s last sermon of 2006, he reflected on the Refinery’s past, present and future. He brought up the fact that we are created to be in Communion (Relationship with Christ), Community (in Relationship with One Another), and Commission (in Relationship with the World). Among other things, Mike asked us to prayerfully consider what our talents are and how we may commit our talents to the work of Christ.
As Mike preached and as the verses above reveal, it is vital that we each use our individual gifts and talents to serve Christ and to complete the body of Christ. This week, I want to challenge each of you to prayerfully consider what makes you unique. Instead of trying to be more like the people around you, reflect on the talents and characteristics that make you special. Ask God to show you how you can use these gifts not only at the Refinery, but to reach the hurting people in the world around you. Pray that God will open your eyes to the needs of others, and that he will show you how you can use your individual gifts and talents to help others.
Last week, as I was dressing Jacob, I put a polo shirt on him. He asked to button the very top button. Being stylish, I encouraged him to leave the button unbuttoned. However, he insisted that he wanted to button the top button. Jacob adores his dad, so I decided to encourage him to leave the top button unbuttoned by saying, “Daddy doesn’t button the top button. Don’t you want to leave the top button unbuttoned to be like Daddy?” Jacob responded, “No. I don’t want to be like Daddy. I want to be like me.” Jacob did not realize it, but he made a profound statement. At three years old, Jacob understands that he is an individual, and his individuality is a gift to be cherished, not something to throw away in an attempt to conform to the world around him.
Romans 12:4-8 says:
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
God has created each of us with unique talents and gifts. God has made us with unique gifts so that we can complement one another.
In Mike’s last sermon of 2006, he reflected on the Refinery’s past, present and future. He brought up the fact that we are created to be in Communion (Relationship with Christ), Community (in Relationship with One Another), and Commission (in Relationship with the World). Among other things, Mike asked us to prayerfully consider what our talents are and how we may commit our talents to the work of Christ.
As Mike preached and as the verses above reveal, it is vital that we each use our individual gifts and talents to serve Christ and to complete the body of Christ. This week, I want to challenge each of you to prayerfully consider what makes you unique. Instead of trying to be more like the people around you, reflect on the talents and characteristics that make you special. Ask God to show you how you can use these gifts not only at the Refinery, but to reach the hurting people in the world around you. Pray that God will open your eyes to the needs of others, and that he will show you how you can use your individual gifts and talents to help others.
Prayer
I have been asked to lead the Prayer Ministry at my church, the Refinery (www.refinerychurch.org). As part of my ministry, I will be sending out weekly emails with thoughts, Bible verses, reflections, etc. I plan to post copies of those emails here.
I hope this is a blessing to people and helps anyone that reads this blog in their prayer life!
I hope this is a blessing to people and helps anyone that reads this blog in their prayer life!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Shallow thoughts
In a conversation with a coworker about Christmas, I was shocked to learn about the elaborate gifts that the coworker planned to give his small kids for Christmas. Of course I was shocked for the typical reasons - money is not the real reason for the season, his kids are so small they won't know the difference, etc. However, the discussion made me reflect on an inner tension that I feel in my own life that is much deeper.
A part of me wants to shield my kids from pain. I also want to provide experiences, material items, and opportunities that I did not have as a child. However, in my attempts to do this, I also want to be sure that I do not create selfish children that believe the moon and stars revolve around them. Basically, I want my kids to understand that although they ARE the center of MY universe, they are NOT the center of THE universe.
I have also taken up Yoga. I LOVE it. I love the quiet stillness of Yoga. I love the deep breathing. I love the focus on ME. Yes, I said it - I love the fact that for one hour, I focus on my breathing, on stretching, on pushing my body a little further than I did the class before. I love the fact that in Yoga, I am not competing with others because I will never be "perfect". I will always be able to push myself to do more. Yoga, like life, is about the experience and the journey, not the destination. I will not attain perfection, and that is ok.
I read a quote, "Convictions are greater enemies of the truth than lies." The writer went on to state that "wisdom is what allows us to become more open minded, less in need of the security of dogmatic truth (a belief that this is only what the law is) and at the same time more centered in our own personal truth." So often, when we feel challenged, instead of questioning why we believe what we believe, we fall back to the defense that this is "just the way it is". We will never grow if we are slaves to dogmatic truths with no basis. If we do not know why we believe what we believe, and if we do not take the time to discover what we really believe, we will be like the man that built his house on the sand. If you do not understand your beliefs, you have no foundation for your morals, ethics, etc. Sooner or later, our beliefs will crumble when someone can show us that what we thought was true was not.
I hope that this year I can really ENJOY Christmas. Every year, I stress myself out. I feel like I have to buy the PERFECT gift for each person, I have to say the PERFECT things at our family Christmas gatherings, and I have to take the PERFECT pictures to document the PERFECT Christmas. I am finally realizing that I cannot ensure that anyone has a PERFECT Christmas. I cannot buy the perfect gift, I can't say the perfect things, I can't plan the perfect gathering. This year, I hope that I can simply enjoy the day. That is my Christmas wish - I don't want a perfect Christmas, I simply want to be present and enjoy a merry Christmas.
A part of me wants to shield my kids from pain. I also want to provide experiences, material items, and opportunities that I did not have as a child. However, in my attempts to do this, I also want to be sure that I do not create selfish children that believe the moon and stars revolve around them. Basically, I want my kids to understand that although they ARE the center of MY universe, they are NOT the center of THE universe.
I have also taken up Yoga. I LOVE it. I love the quiet stillness of Yoga. I love the deep breathing. I love the focus on ME. Yes, I said it - I love the fact that for one hour, I focus on my breathing, on stretching, on pushing my body a little further than I did the class before. I love the fact that in Yoga, I am not competing with others because I will never be "perfect". I will always be able to push myself to do more. Yoga, like life, is about the experience and the journey, not the destination. I will not attain perfection, and that is ok.
I read a quote, "Convictions are greater enemies of the truth than lies." The writer went on to state that "wisdom is what allows us to become more open minded, less in need of the security of dogmatic truth (a belief that this is only what the law is) and at the same time more centered in our own personal truth." So often, when we feel challenged, instead of questioning why we believe what we believe, we fall back to the defense that this is "just the way it is". We will never grow if we are slaves to dogmatic truths with no basis. If we do not know why we believe what we believe, and if we do not take the time to discover what we really believe, we will be like the man that built his house on the sand. If you do not understand your beliefs, you have no foundation for your morals, ethics, etc. Sooner or later, our beliefs will crumble when someone can show us that what we thought was true was not.
I hope that this year I can really ENJOY Christmas. Every year, I stress myself out. I feel like I have to buy the PERFECT gift for each person, I have to say the PERFECT things at our family Christmas gatherings, and I have to take the PERFECT pictures to document the PERFECT Christmas. I am finally realizing that I cannot ensure that anyone has a PERFECT Christmas. I cannot buy the perfect gift, I can't say the perfect things, I can't plan the perfect gathering. This year, I hope that I can simply enjoy the day. That is my Christmas wish - I don't want a perfect Christmas, I simply want to be present and enjoy a merry Christmas.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
A Healthy Dose of Guilt
I am a member of our health incentive program at work. Recently, the program challenged teams to form in an effort to maintain our weight over the holidays. Basically, we recorded our weight in November. In January, we will return to record our weight. Each team that maintains their weight within 2 pounds of their original weight over the holidays wins. I decided to do this for my own health. However, I also knew that if my boss and assistant were depending on me I would be more likely to watch my weight.
So far, this has been very challenging. I have made some significant life style changes. I am not drinking drinks with sugar. I do allow myself coffee with flavored creamer, but that is all. I also went to Whole Foods and bought whole grain oatmeal, chocolate soy milk and other healthy snacks.
The major change that I have made is joining the fitness center at work. I was a member of the Y before the kids were born and I worked out early in the morning before work. Now I am trying to manage my schedule so that I will be able to fit in exercise in the morning or at lunch. I am most excited about attending Yoga classes.
I struggle with feeling guilty about the exercise. I feel guilty because time spent at the gym is time that I could be spending with the kids, my husband, etc. I always feel guilty when I do things for myself. For some reason, I have an idealized image of the perfect woman/mother. In my mind, the perfect woman/mother is completely selfless, and she sacrifices everything for the happiness of those around her (even if the sacrifices make her miserable). Of course I do not live up to this ideal, and anytime that I do things solely for me, I tend to feel guilty. I feel especially guilty because I am a working mother. I feel that every spare moment away from work should be focused on my kids.
Recently, some very balanced and mentally healthy friends have started to change my view. I tend to view myself as an island surrounded by others. I have falsely believed that I can give and give and give without nurturing myself. I have confused developing a sense of self with being selfish. I am gradually learning that being selfish is vastly different from having a sense of self. The fact of the matter is that I am not an island. If I do not take time to discover who I am, what I believe, what I enjoy, etc., I will ultimately have no sense of self. If I have no sense of self, I will be unhappy, and I risk raising kids that also have no sense of self. The last thing I want to do is teach my kids that they should make decisions based on what others think or external validation that they may receive. I want to teach my kids to find activities that they enjoy and to love themselves. I hope that in my journey to find myself, I will teach my kids the importance of taking time for themselves so that they can know who they are and what they believe.
However, I do not know how to get past the guilt of being a working professional mother. I often feel that I am giving work 30%, family 30%, friends/community/other 30%, and perhaps I have 10% left over for God. I enjoy my job, and I enjoy the sense of fulfillment that it brings. I am also proud that my kids will see that I am a well rounded individual with many facets to my personality. However, I always feel so torn. I feel that I am not giving anything 100%. Everyone always talks about balance, but there is no real balance. Something is always getting the short end of the stick. There are times when work takes so much of me that my family is short changed. There are also times when my family takes so much of me that work is short changed. All of the guilt is often magnified by being a Christian. Instead of finding a loving community of people that understand that some mothers need to work or choose to work, most Christian leaders and authors tend to spend their energy telling mothers the many reasons that they are destroying their children by working outside the home. This makes me very sad.
So far, this has been very challenging. I have made some significant life style changes. I am not drinking drinks with sugar. I do allow myself coffee with flavored creamer, but that is all. I also went to Whole Foods and bought whole grain oatmeal, chocolate soy milk and other healthy snacks.
The major change that I have made is joining the fitness center at work. I was a member of the Y before the kids were born and I worked out early in the morning before work. Now I am trying to manage my schedule so that I will be able to fit in exercise in the morning or at lunch. I am most excited about attending Yoga classes.
I struggle with feeling guilty about the exercise. I feel guilty because time spent at the gym is time that I could be spending with the kids, my husband, etc. I always feel guilty when I do things for myself. For some reason, I have an idealized image of the perfect woman/mother. In my mind, the perfect woman/mother is completely selfless, and she sacrifices everything for the happiness of those around her (even if the sacrifices make her miserable). Of course I do not live up to this ideal, and anytime that I do things solely for me, I tend to feel guilty. I feel especially guilty because I am a working mother. I feel that every spare moment away from work should be focused on my kids.
Recently, some very balanced and mentally healthy friends have started to change my view. I tend to view myself as an island surrounded by others. I have falsely believed that I can give and give and give without nurturing myself. I have confused developing a sense of self with being selfish. I am gradually learning that being selfish is vastly different from having a sense of self. The fact of the matter is that I am not an island. If I do not take time to discover who I am, what I believe, what I enjoy, etc., I will ultimately have no sense of self. If I have no sense of self, I will be unhappy, and I risk raising kids that also have no sense of self. The last thing I want to do is teach my kids that they should make decisions based on what others think or external validation that they may receive. I want to teach my kids to find activities that they enjoy and to love themselves. I hope that in my journey to find myself, I will teach my kids the importance of taking time for themselves so that they can know who they are and what they believe.
However, I do not know how to get past the guilt of being a working professional mother. I often feel that I am giving work 30%, family 30%, friends/community/other 30%, and perhaps I have 10% left over for God. I enjoy my job, and I enjoy the sense of fulfillment that it brings. I am also proud that my kids will see that I am a well rounded individual with many facets to my personality. However, I always feel so torn. I feel that I am not giving anything 100%. Everyone always talks about balance, but there is no real balance. Something is always getting the short end of the stick. There are times when work takes so much of me that my family is short changed. There are also times when my family takes so much of me that work is short changed. All of the guilt is often magnified by being a Christian. Instead of finding a loving community of people that understand that some mothers need to work or choose to work, most Christian leaders and authors tend to spend their energy telling mothers the many reasons that they are destroying their children by working outside the home. This makes me very sad.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
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