Rest!

Today's reading: Matthew 11

As I began reading this chapter, I noticed a note in the margin from many years ago that simply listed a friend's name. This short passage of scripture (v.28-30) had been a significant passage for him and I remember noting that during a bible study once. So every time I see it, I think of that guy. Why was it so significant? What had happened in his life that drew him to these verses? As I reflect on the last several months in my own life, the words "weary" and "burdened" seem to resonate pretty strongly. Weary - physical or mental tiredness or exhaustion.  Burdened - weighed down emotionally, stressed or worried.  Ding, ding, ding...we have a winner! This describes how I feel and have been feeling recently. So what to do about it?  "Come to me" says Jesus "and I will give you rest". The reference in my Bible for "rest" takes me back to Exodus 33. Moses had experienced the presence and glory of the Almighty God. Only in His presence do we find true rest. Same thing Jesus says. Do you think maybe there's a pattern here? And as Moses entered the tent and experienced the awesome presence of the Holy God, his face lit up and all the people could tell. His experience with God brought indescribable peace and rest... and others noticed. How long has it been since I rested in the presence of Jesus, took on His yoke rather than my own, and learned from Him in the gentleness that He promises...oh, and experienced true rest?? Well, that's too long.  May I crave the presence of Jesus more each day and rest in His presence fully!

Suspended

Follow my other blog, 31daysofwaiting.blogspot.com for now. Will be back here later.

Summer Camp by Emma Grace

Kids love to play in the summer. Pack them a bike, swimsuit,and extra clothing.
Every SATURDAY send your kid in the summer to have a fun day at a fun Summer Camp!!!!!!!!!!!! You need to pay $9.50 for coming.

A Week In the Pit

In all honesty, the last week has been emotionally and spiritually challenging for me. Yesterday morning, however, I grabbed by preaching Bible, opened it up to the place where I last used it (Ps 139) and read Ps 138, since I hadn’t stopped to read it at anytime while preparing for Ps 139….and these words hit me.

“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart…for your love and faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your Word….When I called, you answered me…Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly…though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life…the LORD will fulfill his purpose for me, your love, O LORD, endures forever…do not abandon the works of your hands.”

And I was reminded last night of how God has brought some incredible people into the life of Grandview. I wish I could predict the future and comfort the anxiety and discouragement that I have felt, but I can’t. I CAN choose how to respond to the challenge before us…and honestly, if you would’ve asked me two days ago, my response would be different than it is right now. This morning, my prayer is that God would continue to show me how faithful he is…and that despite what happens in a year from now, He is preparing me for something useful in His kingdom.

God loves me and has a purpose for me....Thank You Lord!

"John Doe's office...can I take a message?"

Do you ever feel like you're just getting through the day...one second at a time? Today was one of those days. It actually went quite smoothly until one little phone call...and a flashback of a time when I worked for someone who didn't quite understand the meaning of leadership. Well you might ask, "Don't bosses go through some kind of leadership training...like, where they learn to be good bosses?" Hardly!! If you're fortunate enough to have a great boss, count your blessings. I've worked for several over the years, and I can honestly say that some got it, and some just don't. Leadership and management are two distinct things. Management is getting people to do their job...period. It's watching from the office window in a factory and waiting for someone to slip up...oh, and the occasional "great job", despite the crap that you make your employees put up with on a day-to-day basis, i.e. your bad attitude, temper, mood swings, dictatorial approaches to increase productivity. Leadership is entirely different. A true leader empowers people to do their job's the most effective and exciting way they can. The bottom line gets taken care of, and there's never any doubt that the "boss" is actually one of the hardest workers in the joint...if not the hardest working. See, far too often, people buy into a false understanding of delegation. Real delegation is dividing up tasks and responsibilities to people who are skilled and gifted to complete the task, even better than what the boss could do. It's a matter of maximizing productivity by harnessing the creative juices of each person...all the while, making them feel valuable and appreciated. Delegation is NOT dumping your work on someone else, just because you can...then sitting around reading the newspaper, drinking a cup of coffee and pretending to work...subordinates see right through that crap. And pretty soon, there's resentment...and people can't stand working for you anymore. What do I prefer? To cherish people...respect them...work on my own attitude problems so that they NEVER see it. In most cases, the hardworking people that we delegate to are making much less than we do...so there should never be a question as to who is working hardest...lead by example. Then your people will respect you...and guess what...they'll love to help....and actually crave it....I know, it's crazy, huh?? OK, well I guess I don't know all that much really....just what I learned in 11 years of experience as a leader...

Chain Gang

OK, so I've spent most of the last several days digging around in the dirt...we've removed a pond, waterfall and hundreds of roots from various bushes and trees from two different flower beds at a mission home that we're getting ready for the Nurse Family from Portugal. With pick axe and shovel in hand, we've toiled and toiled, only to be reminded of how old I feel...and am, I guess. In the August Houston humidity, it doesn't take long before sweat pours from every part of my body...TMI, I realize. But I keep reminding myself that it's for a greater cause. Once the pieces begin to fall into place, and once they arrive and are enjoying a new patio in their awesome 6th month residence, I know I'll be glad I did it.
In a few weeks, my kids return to school. My daily schedule will change somewhat, which I'm hoping will allow for more reflection time each day. I will also start another seminary class, just one this time. But again, I hold out for the hope that one day, I will finish, Lord willing.

My first blog...ever!

So here is my inaugural blog...why I'm doing this, I'm not sure. I guess it's a fad, although I've yet to really get any good at Facebook either. But I've tried to start writing some of my thoughts and prayers down, so I guess this is a place to share some of that...if any of it ever makes sense to anyone but me...or is worth sharing.