Conformed...Transformed...Sacrifice

Conforming to this world is very easy due to the society that exists. Our society is an instant gratification society that is selfish. God blessed each and everyone of us with a gift or talent. We are supposed to use the gift that God gave us to the best of our ability and to bring glory and honor to God. In Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”. To use your gift for God is using your body as a “living sacrifice”. Focus on God’s will for you life, let Him use you to transform lives without conforming to this world.

Oh Vacation...I Need a Break!

Note to the Reader:
Do not take this the wrong way I love my job...I just need a break...With that disclaimer...here we go! Oh vacation...where are you? Why are you hiding? Where have you gone? I need to see you soon. Kind of wishing I would have seen you a couple of weeks ago during the wonderful ice storm we had. Instead I was running around making sure my pipes didn’t freeze at my house. I am so ready for the sand between my toes and total relaxation as the wind blows and the waves hit the shoreline. I cannot wait to feel the warm sun on my skin and smell the salty ocean air. Oh, vacation! Things just got a little better. No additional work load because of classes. Now to adjust the remaining tasks. Vacation...how many days until we meet again...please count with me...one, two, three days...forget that idea you are too far away...more like 158, 159, or 160 days... Proverbs 19:23 says: “The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble”.

Expanding Your Territory

What does it mean to expand your territory? Could it simply mean getting out of your comfort zone? Does territory mean “horizons” or the way you look at things? Is Jabez referring to expanding his geographic area/property? Was he referring to a certain skill or talents? In 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez prays a very simple prayer. “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.“

Jabez’ life was changed. This short but powerful verse has changed many lives. In my life, I can relate to “expanding my territory” as expanding my horizons (through travel) and the way I think about things. I was given the opportunity to visit over three countries and nearly 28 states in the last ten years. During my travels, I have experienced different cultures and God’s beautiful creation. In August of 2010, I finished a master’s degree in Global Studies. The classes opened my mind to a new way of thinking. I often find myself looking at world events with a different set of eyes.

The beauty of this prayer found in 1 Chronicles is the last part, “and God granted his request”. Jabez asked and God answered and blessed him. God answers prayer.

The Purposeful Listener

Why is it so difficult to slow our minds down enough to listen or think about nothing? I was recently reading a study by Dr. Charles Stanley that discussed listening to God. Stanley discussed the difference between a passive and purposeful listener. These are two different types of listeners. A passive listener is just “there” with little or no plan to implement what he or she hears during a sermon, lesson, or meditation time. A purposeful listener comes to church with the intention of listening and applying the sermon or lesson heard. As discussed in an earlier writing, we must not only pray to God, but we must listen for his direction and guidance. If we are not purposeful in our listening, we may miss out on what direction God wants us to know. David writes in Psalms 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Being still and listening for God’s direction is the first step in becoming a purposeful listener versus a passive listener.

Quiet...Time to Listen

Why is it so hard to listen, but so easy to speak? As a teacher, I see that students have a difficult time with this. They may say that they are listening or may even look it. As a parent, our children have difficulty listening. Prayer is our direct communication to God, the Creator of the universe. Often times, actually, most times, I find myself asking for things and thanking Him for things, but take no time to listen what He has to say. Speaking is only one side of communication. To truly understand and participate in a relationship, you have to listen. The Bible on many occasions discusses the importance of listening. In John 10, John compares our relationship to sheep and a shepherd. In John 10:3, Jesus says: “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” Jesus is talking about a shepherd leading the sheep. The sheep (us) need to listen to the shepherd’s (Jesus) voice to be kept safe and heading in the right direction. For us to keep on our path towards heaven, we must also listen to the Good Shepherd.

In the Midst of Change

Another long day. I find myself once again In the the midst another change...a good change. More time to write and focus on my teaching job and family. Change can be scary. Change can be unpredictable. Change can be good. Change can be bad. Change makes me yell. Change makes me cry. Change makes me laugh. In Philippians 4:10-12 Paul writes, "I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I should be used to it by now. Change happens everyday and in my life change is not a stranger. He is my best friend. OK, that statement may be stretching it a little. Change has been prevalent most of my adult life. Change asks me questions and I try to answer. Change makes me think and makes my brain hurt. Change makes me react. So, why do people not like change? Change makes me uncomfortable, but I say I like change. Right? Often times, change = confrontation. Confrontation + me= me not liking change. So, in the midst of change I am pushing forward and focusing on things despite the confrontations that might occur. Margaret Mead once said, “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

My New Word Overwhelmingness

When is it a good time to take a break from things? I am coining/creating a new word. The word is overwhelmingness. Feelings of "overwhelmingness" sometimes invade the space of my ever increasing schedule. Overwhelmingness stresses me out and sometimes makes me grouchy. When does it stop? When should it end? The chaos of additional tasks...additional meetings...additional jobs. During times of excessive "overwhelmingness" one must ask, "what or who is my priority"? In 2nd Corinthians 8:5, Paul writes "And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us". Paul's writing is stating we must FIRST give ourselves to the Lord. Are the extras necessary? Is it worth it? Why is it so hard to say NO!?!? Pushing...Striving...and Desiring to grow in my profession...to a point of where I'm exhausted from the endless thinking that occurs within my mind. Saying no to things would be a HUGE start, but I hate to miss out on opportunities that might give me experience for a future door that might open. "Overwhelmingness"--is the feeling of thoughts overcrowding the brain and stifling the creativity of a professional.