The List....

Why is it that with somethings I can be so focused and determined and with other things I am so lackadaisical and apathetic? Deep inside there are things I want to do, tasks I want to complete, but I never follow through with those.

High on the Priority List:
Work? Yes, I am on top of it...
School? I am right there...
Spending time with friends? I am on the spot...

Now here is where the trouble lies...cleaning, yard work, organization, dealing with emotional issues, exercise and diet, DIY projects at the house....

So here is the big question? Am I lazy.... or am I just practicing avoidance? I don't think I am lazy, cause I do not stop working on something all day. Do I need a to do list? Tried that- it is so overwhelming. Perhaps what I need to do is instead of having a huge checklist of stuff I need to do and things to deal with, maybe I just need to select one thing each day from this massive list and work on that one thing until it's complete. Maybe then I wouldn't feel like a lazy sloth.

I am going to give this a go and see how it pans out. Now, to write the list....

Nail Clippings...

I am in utter amazement that there was another guy clipping his nails at the table in Longhorn's. This is the second time I have seen this in a short period of time. The last time, I was at 3 coins (a breakfast diner). And not just one hang nail- the whole hand. Both of them, actually. I was so disgusted!! I'm sure that the little clippings were flying out into their bread basket.

Technology- The New Babysitter

The thing that has always bothered me about a TV/Video being on in a room is the mesmerizing effect it has on both children and adults. Notice that there can be a room full of people talking and spending time with one another, enjoying one another’s company and in a matter of minutes, one-by-one, the people get sucked into the TV’s trance. A social gathering quickly becomes a room full of people who are now engaging in disjointed conversations because they are now half-watching, half talking.

Regarding the real discussion point, Video babysitting, I feel that children who are constantly, visually stimulated by TV, DVD’s and Computers will have problems focusing later in a learning environment. Imagine a real live teacher, standing in front of the room, attempting to relay a concept to a room full of over-stimulated children. How is this teacher going to be able to compete for their attention? She will not be able to be as enthralling as the DVD player.

Thankfully, while some children are relegated to the living room/bedroom to be entranced by the TV, there are many children who thrive on social interaction and actual hands-on activities. These children will be able to broaden their mind by creating new pathways in the brain instead of allowing the TV to think for them.

I went to breakfast the other day and saw a man with his two kids. He was on his cell phone, one kid had a Nintendo DS and the other had an iPod. They sat there like that until the food came. Then they ate in silence while the dad read the paper. He paid their check and they left. So for about forty minutes, none of them spoke. It was so weird to watch. It weird to think you can be sitting at the same table with people yet be socially alone.

The most important thing we as individuals and parents need to do is to be a guardian for our children. The mind is a gateway. What we allow into our children’s mind is what our children become: attitudes are formed, feelings are created and behavior is affected (due to children modeling behaviors seen on TV).

I personally love technology and all that comes with it. It is important for us to remember that with technology comes responsibility. Consider this analogy: Medicine when taken correctly can aide in the healing of the body even though there may be some side-effects. If more than the recommended dosage is taken, there can be a risk of an overdose- the same with technology. Technology can assist us with many tasks and make our lives easier and more enjoyable, but if we indulge too much we can become dependant and socially debilitated.

You know the old adage, “Too much of a good thing……”

duty

Have you ever been to Publix or Wal-Mart and asked where you might be able to find an item for which you seek? I hate it when the stock person or bagger tells me, "Um, aisle 8...about 3/4 of the way down on the left side...towards the bottom." That sounds pretty accurate, but when you get on that aisle, you find out they don't really store the breadcrumbs with the bleach, so you go back to searching on your own. At Wal-Mart, no matter what you ask for, it has to be in the catch-all department, "Housewares." As much as I am an independent person and enjoy shopping, I find it so refreshing when store employee actually takes the time to walk with you to the aisle and show you where the item is. It takes the frustration and aggravation out of the search. I feel like they really want to help me.


On a very simple level, I would like to equate this type of experience with our duty as Christians. So many times, I have heard the idea that we should "point people to the cross." I have a tendency to believe that Jesus wanted us to do a little more than point a finger or give some quick directions to those who are lost and hurting. Finding the way to the cross and His salvation is not a one-tank trip. It's not a weekend visit to a cool spot. It is a life-journey. His Way is a long road of discovery, trials and surprises. It's kind of like taking a long road trip without getting on the interstate; taking the back roads gives you the best view and understanding of the region.


When traveling, I've always heard that whenever you go visit a new place (like New York City or Israel), it's always better to go with someone who had been before, or with someone who lives (or has lived) there. They know all the cool places to go, and conversely, the ones to avoid. They know where the good areas of town are, as well as the sketchy ones. Just the same, the journey to the cross is best not taken alone. When we, who know the way, walk with others their journey, we can share new things that will enhance their experience and guide them through unknown territory. Ultimately, being with someone who knows the way makes the trip more enjoyable.


It can be so easy to get into a mode where we, just like the tired store employee, point and give directions to people. Hoping or sometimes not even caring if they ever make it.


-maybe someone else will help them?
-maybe they will stumble upon it on their own?
-it's not on my job description


For those who have who have been lost and hurting, it can seem as though they are alone in this life. The feeling of being alone can be overwhelming and depressing. Not knowing that there is a purpose for the trip and that their is a destination can make the trip seem pointless. Disappointments, worries and fears are all better managed when someone is there to help bear the weight.


The band Green Day has a song called the I walk alone- Check out some of the lyrics- I walk a lonely road. The only one that I have ever known. Don't know where it goes, but it's home to me and I walk alone. I walk this empty street on the Boulevard of Broken Dreams. Where the city sleeps and I'm the only one and I walk alone. I'm walking down the line, that divides me somewhere in my mind, on the border line of the edge and where I walk alone. My shadow's the only one that walks beside me. My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating. Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me. 'Til then I walk alone.


So what is our duty?

-show the Way

-accompany someone on the journey

-show them the cool spots and what to avoid

-and most of all, show them Jesus.

markers

The following are some Biblical examples of physical markers set in place by people to remember God's presence and work in their lives and covenants made in His presence:

Genesis 28:18 God's presence-God's House- Bethel
Genesis 31:44 A covenant, serving as a witness
Genesis 35:14 the place where God had talked with him
Exodus 24:4 twelve stone pillars, representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Joshua 24:25 a covenant for the people

What are the "markers" in my life that I have erected as memorials to God's goodness and faithfulness in my life? Were those moments where God met me and changed me marking places in my life? Pride would say, "I did that in my own power, strength or wisdom."

Here are some thoughts I have about this subject.

Look at me... Look what I did....

Recently there was a "flash-in-the-pan" song called "Handle Bars" by a band called the Flobots. The song starts out with the line "I can ride my bike with no handle bars...." (I have included a link to the youtube video at the end of this post- it is worth watching). It starts out pretty juvenile. As the lyrics continue they depict what "man" can do starting with "riding with no handle bars" and progressing to the point where "man" can control the world. Every time I listen to this song, it shakes me. I know it's just a song, but to me, it describes the condition of man, the condition of our souls. I have worked for my achievements and earned my rewards. The feeling that I can control everything, I can be like a god and it's all about me.....reminds me of the Tower of Babel.

Genesis 11: 3&4 They said to each other, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."

God help us... have mercy on us for taking your gifts and blessings and calling them works of our own hands.

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. 2 For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. 3 Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. 5 They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. 6 Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.

I reflect often about God's unmistakable hand moving in my life. I remember many of the pivotal moments where I can easily say "That was God." There are others things in my life that have evolved over time that I can say that it was His doing. Do I attribute everything to Him that He deserves? Do I give credit where credit is due? Do I share with other's what God has done in me or do I covet pleasure and pride in my own accomplishments? Do I give Him the glory for what He has done in me?

Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

God has made His mark on us. His fingerprints can be seen on the clay of our lives.

Each day, God creates, impresses, teaches, allows....

He moves, lives, breathes.........

He gives and takes the breath of life.....

What can we do......starting today?

Set up our stones....
Set up our markers....
Give credit where credit is due....
Discover where our help comes from....

Psalm 121:1&2 I look up to the hills, but where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Check out the Flobot video.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuK2A1ZqoWs

impact

I've been reading through the Bible and have finally reached the gospels after what seems like years... Anyway, I have been reading about Jesus and taking notice of how His relationships with people affected their lives. It is not a new revelation that coming in contact with Jesus can be a life-altering encounter, but I have found myself being quite introspective with regards to my own relationships.

Let me share:
As a Christian, or Christ-follower, it is our charge to follow in the footsteps of Jesus- to be like Him. So how did Jesus impact those around Him? Look at the disciples. They just dropped what they were doing to follow this new guy. Once with Jesus, their life was never the same. Their lives were changed, enhanced, enriched and empowered because of His impact.
Does, Jesus still impact our lives today in the same way? How does this happen? Does this happen down at the altar, in silent time spent with Him or in times of worship? I think God does move in those ways, but He also moves through people whom He allows to be a part of our lives.
For me, I can think of many people who helped shape who I am today. Other than my parents and grandmother, who obviously had significant roles in my development as a person, I want to highlight five sets of people who stand out to me as "life changers".

First, my youth pastors Doug and Amanda Clarke. I became a Christian under their ministry and they helped build the foundation for my life as a Christ-follower. They were single-handedly responsible for making sure I got to church or got home almost every Wednesday, Sunday and special youth event. They spent time with me during a time when I needed it the most.

Second, my good friends Neil and Missy Clark. I practically lived at their house with their two daughters, Tara and Kaycie (my little sisters). They modeled for me an intact family who could show affection for one another and allowed me to be a part of that.

Third, my friend and co-worker Cheryl Jones. Cheryl was the teacher and then daycare director at the Christian school where I worked. I started working with her when I was only 18, fresh out of high school. At first, I couldn't understand how, or why, she was such a strict teacher. "The poor kids," I thought. As I watched her, I learned what it was to be a great teacher, a teacher who could command obedience, while showing compassion, grace and mercy.

Forth, Patty Fiorisi. I have known Patty since I was about 18, as well. We attended the same church and were in the choir together. Patty has become one of my closest and dearest friends over the last 10 years. During that time, I have become part of her family. I have watched her children grow from adolescents to adults (my brother and sisters). I have observed their open relationship with one another- what a learning opportunity for me. I have also seen Patty's generosity and have incorporated her style of giving into my own life.

Fifth, Guy and Nancy Glass, who’s friendship is so close to my heart. They came to Bethel during a significant time in my life. I was at crossroads. I knew what the "church" taught being a Christian was all about and how I should live and there was that deep knowing there was a different, relational, more intentional way to live that would touch the lives of those outside of the four walls of the church. Their example freed my ministry from the confines of the church building, to become a natural expression of Christ in my community and sphere of influence.

Think on these things:
Who has God blessed your life with?
Who has helped shape and mold you?
Whose life are you impacting?
Who has benefited from your example and relationship?

defeat

I want to take some time to work out why defeat is so devastating to our psyche and what we can do to overcome it's grip on our lives. Defeat, even in small doses can send a person reeling, setting-back months or years of progress. Perhaps, it's a lot easier to dwell on failure than to revel in victory. Victory is short-lived, but defeat is faithful to be there for the long-haul. While others may come along side to celebrate our victories, defeat is usually something we deal with alone. It is a personal struggle that we are left to sort out in the quietness of our own hearts. Guilt and shame are bedfellows with failure. More often than not, nights are spent tossing and turning, mulling over the day's shortcomings, misspeaks and embarrassments. A harsh word to a friend or a missed opportunity can make us focus on all of our own shortcomings rather than that which is praiseworthy. Another mistake is comparing our failures against the supposed accomplishments of others. Doing so will leave us feeling inadequate and impotent.

So how do we shun this defeatist attitude? How can we avoid surrendering to feelings of failure and regret? Can we walk free of the shroud of guilt and disappointment? Looking to others rather than looking at others maybe the catalyst towards change and freedom.

Think of Paul's instruction in Galations 6:1-5 (NCV) "Brothers and sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make him right again. But be careful, because you might be tempted to sin, too. By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is important when he really is not, he is only fooling himself. Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others. Then he can be proud for what he himself has done. Each person must be responsible for himself."

Whether we take the first step help another or we are approached by a concerned friend, allowing ourselves to be honest with one another, will give way to a sense of freedom. Sharing our deep-seated fears, feelings of guilt and shame with a dear friend can release the grip defeat has on our hearts. Bringing to light that which has been held captive in the cavernous depth of our hearts will banish the darkness which clouds our judgement and self-assessment.

1 Thessalonians 5 is a great reading, giving us an example of how to live and interact with one another. Encouragement and edification are gifts we can freely give to one another. Why hold back giving to others that which we so desire for ourselves? Why is it difficult to receive and accept encouragement when it is given? It is because we feel unworthy of the gift?

What then shall we do?
Let us share each others burden, carrying the load together.
Let us give freely the gift of encouragement and edification to one another.
Let us accept and embrace the same when given to us.