Depending on Miracles

Today was one of those days when I woke up I had a bunch of thoughts like "There is no way everything is going to get done." I am the type of person who would like to know a head of time how things are going to work out. But sometimes that is just not possible. So I have to depend totally on miracles. I love being in those situations. Actually that is not totally true, those situations do make me nervous. Which makes me say something like "Lord, help". That is the good part.
Now let me be point out something here. While it is perfectly acceptable to depend on miracles, it is not acceptable to be lazy. We need to make sure we are doing the work that we have been called to do.
Today I had a couple of those miracles work out. Boy does it feel good!

Effectiveness

One of the biggest lessons that I learned in college (at the great Toccoa Falls College that is) was about forms, functions, and foundations. Allow me to review:

• Foundation -- that should be the foundation of Christ. Everything we do must be from that starting point
• Functions -- The things the Bible tells us to do. Stuff like the Great Commandment, the great commission go and make disciples, WHEN you pray (not if). Stuff like that.
• Forms -- How you do the functions. Whatever way is most effective, do it!

Now there is one stat that has stayed with me for a long time. It takes the church in America 100 people 1 year at a cost of $100,000 to reach one person for Christ. I never liked that one much. So I always trying to find ways to lower those numbers.

But when I juxtapose those two things, my brain gets excited. My soul gets excited! Then I want to figure out the best way to do everything! Then I start dreaming! Then dreaming leads to action!

Being Ready To Learn

This past weekend was a long weekend. We has the opportunity to visit family across the state. It was a blast do not get me wrong. I enjoyed it. But needless to say, by the time Sunday came around I was a little tired. It was hard to pay attention. I had to force myself to listen. Here is what I know about being ready to learn:

• You can not learn on an empty stomach. I know not so spiritual, but it is true
• You can not learn that well without proper rest. Again, not spiritual, just practical
• You learn better when are excited about something. Do you gear up for a football game? Why not Church?
• You learn better when you try to listen. Face it we all can tune things out, but why not be an active listener
• You learn better when you are comfortable. I am sorry if wearing a tie makes you fidget, do not wear one.
• You learn better you can hear. Proper sound does help a lot.

Just some thoughts about being ready to learn. You have any more ideas?

What I learned today

When I think about my day, I usually try to figure out one thing that I learned. The thought of the day if you will. Today was all about talking to people. I think of three conversations I had with people today. In all of those three conversations, I saw the person. In those three conversations, there were no cell phone interruptions, no text interruptions, no interruptions of any sort. That is really rare these days. I enjoyed it. I will have to remember that the next time I get a call or something when talking to someone. Maybe I will just ignore the potential int eruption.

Who really is in charge of YOUR life?

Election day. I really hope you all voted. If you did not, seriously, shame on you! But election day is always a little nerve racking. You want your candidate to win. So you watch the results, waiting for those key races to return. I hate to burst your bubble, but some of the people you wanted to win will win. And then tomorrow will come. Guess what, we will still have the same problems we had before your candidate was elected.
The point is this, if you relying on a politician to be in charge of your life, you have serious problems. God is the one who needs to be in charge. If God is in charge, you can go to bed, no matter who is in charge, and wake up and serve God. Pretty cool huh?
By the way if you did not vote, you are not allow to complain about anything involving politics or the government! You forfeit that right!

I have failed my kids

I have come to realized that I am failing my kids. For the most part, Heather and I make sure that our kids eat healthy. Honestly, we do not have that many good snacks around this house. (And yes, I am hungry right now) Due to this fact, my kids do not have a good knowledge of candy. When we were trick or treating, my kids were not taking the good candy. They would take a lollipop over a snickers bar. Really kids? Come on! I need my candy!
My poor kids :)

How connected are you?

I think we need to recognize overconnectivity. I have seen people that spend every second of the day talking/texting/emailing/surfing without stopping even in the bathroom. Crazy. Now I will admit to liking my laptop. I enjoy being connected.
But, people, there comes a point. People. just unplug.
I have learned that if you ever want to impress someone, don't text while talking to them. Stop all this overconnectivity stuff and just listen to them. This will blow people socks off, trust me.
If you are suffering from overconnectivity, please hear me out. Take 1 week off. Stay unconnected for 1 week. You will survive. You might enjoy it.
Sorry for the rant.

Will they remember you?

The best selling book of all time is The Bible. In the Bible there are some obscure people mentioned. These are people that 99% of all Bible scholars would not remember. Now however, the fact that they even were mentioned in the Bible makes them way more memorable then most people. That in an odd way excites me. I really don't care if anyone remembers me. After all it should not be about me, it should be about God.
Then, and only then, when you remove yourself from the spotlight, change can happen.
So I guess I am asking you how will they remember you?

My idea of good morning

I had one of those this morning, a good morning that is. My definition of a good morning is this:

1. Get up early -- I know it sounds crazy, but I do like the mornings
2. Get a shower -- a must for any good morning
3. Get in car and have it start -- Hey if it starts, it is a good day
4. Make it to work -- Yes I am happy if nothing bad happens on the way
5. Get coffee before I talk to anyone -- coffee is so necessary
6. Check email and voicemail before talking to anyone -- I know seems mean
7. Check in with my staff, see how they are doing -- not so much job related stuff, just to talk to them.

Now when all of those things happen, it is a good morning. Today was a morning that followed those 7 steps. :)

When I am ready

Can you think about your life for a second for me? I want you to think of some major events in your life. Now, I want to ask you this question; were you ready?
I think back to becoming the pastor at Bakerstown CMA. Was I ready? NO! Now it is true that I had all the training that I technically needed. I was eligible. But as far as actually being ready, I don't think I was.
When we had Isaiah, was I ready to be a parent? I don't think so. I don't know think I really know what I am doing four years later. Heck I still don't know what I am doing with our second child. I am learning all the time.
The point is this: most of the big events in your life, you probably won't feel you are ready for that next chapter. And honestly, you probably aren't ready. But that is where faith comes in. Faith to trust in God to lead you, not just to the opportunity but through the opportunity.
When those moments come, trust God, not your preparation.