Tough Times Reveals True Character...

Today starts off early with attending a local economy summit. I'm expecting to hear that the economy is still very slow but that there seems to be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. All in all things are not much different than last year as it relates to the economy in our little part of the state.
I believe we are witnessing a change in our economy from the way we "use to do it." This change has not been easy and lives have been disrupted...shaken even. Big adjustments have had to be made in peoples lives. And for many the quality of their character have been tested to reveal a house with no foundation.
What's at the foundation of my life? Will these tough times result in the peace of Christ being lives out...with my faith securly anchored in the hope of God?

Caring for the creation...

My son's Tiger Scout den planted a tree yesterday as part of learning about Arbor Day. We discussed in our time of learning about caring for creation and the important role trees play in our world. My devotional this morning also dealt with caring for creation... Only it was the creator caring for His creation; you and me. God never slumbers and is always caring for us. That's comforting.
Today I will be caring for some of God's very special creation; young teens. I will be sharing with them about the important role love plays in relationships and what that looks like.
Lord, I pray for your help today in caring for your creation. Be glorified in me this day.

Motivated by the Lord...

My devotion today dealt with the balance between contentment and a desire to strive for greatness. As I give thought to this balance I think of the selfish ambition I have dealt with in my life... The desire for greatness for my own glory.
Today I have a much better understanding of what it means to strive for the best and remaining content in life. The "best" I strive for has a much deeper purpose as motivation... I seek to serve my Lord, not myself (this continues to grow).
Today I will meet with area ministers to discuss our community and enjoy their fellowship. It feels good to share with these Brothers and Sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ. May God be glorified in all we do today..

Yesterday was the final game of the season for my oldest son's 7th grade basketball team. I am so proud of the way he played (and I told him so). His performance was noticeable to most everyone... his game has come a long way since the beginning of the season. One of his team-mates (also one of the best players on the team) told him this same thing.
One of the things that help him over the season was to gain an understanding of the game. Since this was his first time playing in an organized league he had a learning curve in front of him. You could tell that his confidence was not there... he wasn't sure what he needed to do. Even though he had a clear advantage over most everyone with this height, his lack of understanding of the "how" to play the game and what was expected of him stole away his natural ability.

This last game, however, showed a tremendous increase in knowledge and confidence on the court... and it did a lot to boast his game!

My devotional reading this morning described those that attempt to live the Christian life on their own strength with un-confessed sin in their lives... It's just not possible. One thing I've come to understand about confession is that it requires humility before God. Humility can be defined as dependence on God and respect for others. Am I being humble before God or am I simply using God when I confess? Something more for me to explore...

This morning I took my oldest son to school. On the way he began to talk about one of his experiences with his youth group at a nursing home. The youth would play games with the residents and just talk with them. There was one lady he remembered distinctly... she was always wanting their attention. In fact, on one occasion when their attention went in the direction of another resident close by this lady commented, "Don't worry about her, she's almost dead anyway." As my son was telling me this story he wasn't joking (although we both did chuckle)... he was saying "Can you believe that she said that!"
What a sad reminder of how so many people live in this world (outside of the nursing homes). Our unmet needs in our lives are very powerful and can cause us to develop tunnel vision. All we tend to see is what, or who, it is on the other side that we believe will meet a need... And we lose sight of all the other things around (just like tunnel vision). Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and all the other necessities of life will be supplied... I believe this also includes needs (or perhaps more importantly we'll know how to fill the needs of others around us).
Today I go to a local high school to teach about dating relationships. I pray for God's help in delivering a message that is helpful for these kids. May God be glorified in what is said and done.

The theme of faithfulness...

I don't seem to be able to get away from the theme of faithfulness. Not that I'm trying! Remaining faithful in the small things has been a re-occuring theme in my life for months now.
My devotion this morning talked about having the mind of Christ even with the mundane things of life. I have known for a long time that God shows up in many of the distractions of life. I need to expand that view even more to include the everyday occurances of my life.
Today I will be in a high school teaching about relationships. One of the neat aspects of the teaching today will be the fact that our sexuality is a matter of value; and what we must do to protect that which is of value in our lives.
Later tonight I will be presenting to a school board about the program I help teach about relationships and sexuality. I pray for Gods presence to be evident to me and others there for the presentation. I pray for Gods presence to be evident in the class room this morning.
Lord, help me to be faithful in all I have to do today. Help me to focus my spirit to be aware of your presence within me and in the mundane circumstances of the day.

Ever feel like your creative juices have just dried up?  That's kinda where I've been for a little while (by the looks of this blog it's been a several month drought).  I learned recently about my iPhone memory... there are times I need to turn it completely off to clear it's memory and allow it to start fresh.  I have a same kind of outlook with the New Year... an opportunity to start again fresh.

It sure is hard to "turn off" to clear one's mind... but it's necessary. Why is it so difficult to do what we know to do?... the age old question! I am well aware of a daily time of "turning off" the world to allow for inspiration, and simple communion with my Lord.  I'm not beating myself up here... I've done that enough down through my life. I'm just realizing afresh, and re-committing my heart, mind and spirit to connecting with my source of strength and power.  God is my rock, my fortress, in Him I find the delight of my life.

Here's to a new year of sharing from my heart and mind...