I am drawn to un-hurried people. I’m pretty sure it’s because I’m the opposite – and wish I was more like them.

Unhurried moms take the time to explain to their kids where they are going. Hurried moms tell their children to get in the car and they’ll find out soon. I think the children of the unhurried mom learned a bit more about their city, streets and addresses.

Unhurried women take time to chat with a tired sales clerk, and brighten her day. Hurried women rush in and out, glancing at their watches, and tapping their nails on the counter if there’s a delay.  I think the sales clerk got a touch of Jesus from that unhurried woman.

Unhurried women think about how to show love to others – whether it’s picking out the right gift, a hand-written note of encouragement or a phone call. Hurried women wish they had picked out the right gift, written a note or made that phone call.

Unhurried women show up early at church, and have time to greet a friend, or welcome a newcomer.  A hurried woman races in annoyed that the free coffee service has closed. 

Although Jesus was busy, the Bible never mentions Him being in a hurry.  Others around Jesus tried to hurry Him up, but Jesus refused to be rushed.  He always made time to hold a child, touch a sick man or talk to a woman whose wrong choices ostracized her from others.  Jesus could have hurried – He had more to accomplish in three years than we can imagine accomplishing in a lifetime.  But He chose to put people over His schedule.

The solutions to a hurried life are simple, yet difficult to incorporate into a life that is addicted to rushing. For those of us who hurry out of habit, we must choose to slow down. We might choose to speak slowly, to walk slowly, or to eat slowly. We might get up 30 minutes earlier so that we aren’t rushing our kids in the morning. We might have dinner in the crockpot so we can sit and read a book with a child, or chat with our husbands on the patio. We might not schedule business appointments so close together that we don’t have time to ask a co-worker how his or her family is doing.

Some of us must address the issue of hurry if we are to live the grace-filled lives Jesus calls us to live.  So take a deep breath, let it out slowly, pause to pray, and enjoy an un-hurried day.

In His Love,

Glynnis

This past weekend Brian taught about our gifting and serving in the church. I’d like to look at that a little more. A number of years ago when I did a study on Spiritual Gifts I was and still am in awe of the way God designed the church. His plan is for each one of us to play a part in the church by using our gifting, skills and abilities. I also learned He created us each different; not everyone is going to have a heart of compassion or have the patience to run the video during service or have the skills to play for worship. But no job in a church is unimportant in the building of God’s Kingdom. Brian mentioned this in his sermon when he talked about not ever wanting hear anyone say they just… volunteer or clean toys, etc. I so agree, all service within the church is so important! When God showed this to me I was running the slides that go on the video screens and I realized that if I goof up majorly it would really distract from people’s experience in Worship and take the focus of God.

I love Paul’s analogy with the parts of the body in I Corinthians 12:12-30. Like in I Corinthians 12:17 Paul writes, “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?” Can you picture it the whole body being one big eye or ear? Wow, that would be really scary. Just as scary as everyone trying to make free coffee at one time and no one greeting or everyone cleaning the bathrooms and no one working with the children.

When I first realized God gifted each one of us for a path of His choosing I was so relieved. I didn’t have to beat myself up because my Christian walk didn’t look like someone else’s. Don’t get me wrong there are a number of things all Christians are called to do or strive toward in ever increasing measure. But there are areas of gifting, service and passion that are unique as each one of us, and God will reveal this to us as we try out different areas of service and look for guidance from classes like the SHAPE class.

As you can see in my bio, I oversee the Women’s Conference each year, lead a Care Group, and help in the Finance Ministry. I’d love to hear how you serve in the church?

Thank you for serving,

Susan

We all have to die.

I recently went to a Vineyard pastor’s conference where I heard a speaker who talked about people wanting to be like, “Friends with Benefits” with God. What she meant, was that some of us like the benefits we get out of our relationship with God, but we don’t like the part where it costs us our life. (our time, energy and our money)

If we are really moving forward in our relationship with Christ, we will have to be like the kernel of wheat in John 12:24. It had to die in order to produce many seeds.

Being a “real” Christian, will be costly. We have to allow our old self to die (selfish desires, competitiveness, jealousy, etc.) and our new life will look different than our old life. Hopefully, it will look more like Christ.

We’re all going to die. So we might as well stop side-stepping this fact if we want to grow in our faith. When we “die” so to speak, is when God’s glory breaks out. (when we do things like prefer others, serve others, minister to the least of these, etc.)

Too often, I’m sorry to say, I do look for the benefits of being in a relationship with God more than looking for how I can “die.”
My heart is to be more like Him and I’m praying for grace to do that more.
I encourage you to continue to die to self in order to let Christ break out in you.
After all, we all have to die.

Blessings,
Thora

I went to get an oil change today.  Not for me actually, but for my Jeep. 

You know the routine.  Every three thousand miles (or so) you have the oil changed.  Every six thousand (or so) you have the tires rotated.  The list goes on and on.  The higher the miles, the more extensive the service required.

However, if you don’t keep up with the services, a belt breaks or a hose cracks, and then you are really in for it.  You’ll probably have to call AAA and get towed into your mechanic.  Pumps get damaged, engines over heat, expenses rise.  So we keep up with the tune ups.

But when was the last time I had a spiritual tune up?

I really don’t have a schedule for routine spiritual maintenance, but I should.  How often do I find myself mired down in sludge?  Distractions during prayer time, over scheduled volunteer time, lack of focus when I read my Bible.  Next thing you know I’m broken down on the side of the ol’ Roman Road.  No good to anyone.

I can’t imagine that I’m alone in this.  We all let things get away from us, and it usually happens one little bit by bit.  By the time we realize what’s happening, it’s time for the tow truck.

Now we can’t avoid all the troubles that come our way.  There are always struggles that crop up like a dead battery in Phoenix in August.  But what are we doing to head off the problems we can foresee?  The ones we know are coming.  We are promised trouble all the way through the Bible, but we should also be prepared. 

So I want to know – what’s your spiritual maintenance schedule?  I am in need of my own and looking for suggestions.  I’m sure there are other people out there in need of one too. 

Be a spiritual mechanic.  Add a comment to this blog with suggestions, ideas, and comments, anything you can think of that has helped you with your own Spiritual Tune Up.

When I have mine worked out I’ll post it here for anyone else to fine tune to their own specifications.

Time to roll!

Peace!

Barbara

How does one “wait on the Lord”?

Isaiah 40:31 says that, those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (NKJV)

Years ago, I heard this woman over the radio share how she got up every morning, sat on her sofa, closed her eyes, quieted her heart, and – as she sat very still – she waited for God to speak to her.

She sounded to me like such a godly inspiration!  However, I had to be honest with myself and accept the fact that her morning experiences would never work for someone like me.  Really, comatose as I am every morning, sitting on a warm and cozy couch and closing my eyes would only make me snore.  As far as I recall, I have never successfully quieted my heart or mind by sitting down attempting to be still.

Even if I managed to stay awake, my mind would drift from the Lord and his goodness to my unfinished grocery list or the next project that needs tackling or whether or not my son’s appointment was this afternoon or the next.

Definitely not a very productive, quiet bonding time with Jesus.

I have friends I greatly admire, who can sit through an hour-long meeting without moving a muscle.  They appear calm and relaxed and focused.  When I find myself wondering what would that be like, I cringe remembering I need to be paying attention to what’s being said instead of gaping at people.  It’s very sad.

So what did the Psalmist mean by being “still before the LORD and wait[ing] patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7, NIV)?  Does that mean that un-still, extremely impatient gals like me are basically doomed?

Fear not my fellow ADHD-ers!

As I shared with you before, I do get up every morning and I do eventually manage to slow down the ol’ mind and sit on my comfy recliner to spend quality time with God.  Sometimes I even close my eyes without drifting into beautiful places where George Clooney or a much younger Paul Newman tell me I am the one, and I flutter my long and dense eye lashes and tell them, “Oh, stop it!”  And you say, in you dreams, girl!  And I say, exactly.  So… where was I?

Oh, yes!  How do I wait?  To me, the simple act of honoring the Lord by prioritizing my devotional is an act of waiting.  I’d much rather jump out of bed and dive directly into my to-do list (those are figures of speech, it’d be more precise to say, “drag myself out of bed” and after a shower and a cup of coffee or two” engage in my daily chores” but I’m still dreaming.)

One of the many things I love about Christianity is that it is so practical.  I can do practical.  I can get up in the mornings to take the time to pray and read my Bible.  I can force myself to do this before doing anything else.  And, for me, that is as still and as patient as it’s going to get.  But God knows that in my heart I am seeking to honor Him.

And that, my friends, is how I wait. 

How do you wait on the Lord?  I’m dying to hear.

Curious,

Ana

           Singing in the worship band gives me a unique viewpoint of our church on Sundays.   On my assigned weeks, I stand on stage waiting for the service to begin.   People are still filing in as the taped music stops and the worship leader steps up to the microphone to welcome the congregation.  The lights dim as the tap of the drumsticks signal the band to begin.

            Soon the swell of the music and a chorus of voices – young and old – fill the room.  By the second song, the house lights are completely off and the only lights shining in the room are on us.  Except for the back door.  Which is where I face. 

            Each time the door opens to let in latecomers, outside light shines brightly for a brief moment.  From where I stand, it’s like a spot light.  It’s so bright, and so far away, that I can’t see the faces of those who come in late. But every once in awhile I dream … sort of one of those awakening dreams.  But this one feels real.  I dream that Jesus walks in. 

            In my mind, I see Him walking up the aisle.  No one notices Him because their eyes are focused on the words on the screen, or they are closed in worship.  He slowly looks left then right.  He keeps on walking toward the front.  Finally, He reaches the steps below me and slowly ascends them.  When He gets to the top of the stage, He turns to receive the worship that is being offered Him.

            I wonder what Jesus feels as He looks out over the flock of people.  Is He pleased?  Is He frustrated that so many thoughts are on lunch?  Does He want to reach out and grab the hands that are raised in worship and surrender?

            Sometimes I long to see Jesus walk in my church so desperately, I can feel my heart pound.  Can you imagine what would happen?  Can you imagine how people would grab their friends with diseases and go running toward Him?  Can you imagine parents carrying their hurting children to Him?   The press of people would be intense.  Those with addictions, emotional hurts and illnesses would stretch out their hands just to touch Him.  People would drop to their knees in adoration.

            Before I “awake” and realize it was only a dream, I remember the words of Jesus: “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).  And I realized that Jesus has come to my church. He is there to receive my worship.  He is there to touch the hands of the broken hearted.  He longs to heal those who are hurting.

            Unfortunately, many times I’m simply hoping that God will “show up.”  As if He might be too busy to stop by my church that day. Yet by Jesus’ very own words, He is already there.  My waking dream is a reality.  Maybe Jesus doesn’t stand next to me, but He’s in the room.  I need that truth to soak into my heart every time I gather with other believers. 

            The same Jesus who healed the blind man and raised the dead, has come to our church this week. 

In His Love,

Glynnis

P.S.  I’ll be giving away the book “Setting Up Stones:  A Parent’s Guide to Making Your Home a Place of Worship.”   To enter the drawing, please leave a comment and share your favorite worship song.  I’ll select a winner at random on Sunday, May 17th at 5 p.m.  Make sure to include your email address so we can contact you!

The other morning, I was doing my morning devotions when I was reminded of the excitement of this time of year. School is finishing up and graduations are just around the corner. This year I have two nieces graduating from high school. Days are longer and I seem to get more done. Although here in the desert I could do without the heat that comes along with it. Summer holds the promise of a more relaxed pace, and with it the possibility of vacations and trips. It’s a time of endings and beginnings.

With that in mind, I have found this is a better time of year for setting “New Year’s Resolutions” than January. Each summer, I like to try a few things to improve my relationship with God, and to be more of who He created me to be. Right now, along with my doctor’s encouragement, I am working on eating healthier and exercising. In addition, I’m ramping up my morning devotions a little bit by adding Catherine Martin’s book “Revive My Heart!” I’ve also been working on having fun on purpose by doing things I enjoy like watching movies and spending time with friends.

One way I’m planning on having fun is attending this month’s Girl Talk; Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 6:45p to 9p. It’s free and we’ll be watching “The Princess Bride”. Remember we are all princesses since we are daughters of the King of Kings. So grab a snack to share, your tiara and come on over.

Do you have some “New Year’s Resolutions” you’d like to make this month with me? If so, please share them by making a comment on the blog. We’ll select one person at random, Friday, May 15th at noon, and that person will win “Journey to Significance” a personal Bible study guide by Kimberly Sowell.  Please include your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner.

Blessings,
Susan

Happy Birthday (to Me)!

On April 30th, I turned 48. This seems impossible to me and I am hoping somehow I have miscalculated and because of some time warp, I might still be in my 30’s. (If only implausible movie plots could take place in real life!)

Seriously though, birthdays are a great time to reflect on our lives. What is God’s best for us? What things has God done in the past year? What are we looking forward to in the next year? How have we done on our goals? What things do we want to change for the next year of our lives?

Here is a good question: “What can I do to make the most significant difference for God with the rest of my life?”

Or how about this…
“What one change in my life would be most pleasing to God?”

One thing I have found is that if I am not intentional, things won’t just “change.”

If I think I would like to clean out my closets and drawers, but don’t actually plan a specific time to do it and write it down, let’s face it, it won’t get done (at least, not at my house). If I don’t start at the beginning of a year with a one year Bible and decide I will read through it that year, (and have the Bible already purchased by January 1), it is not going to happen.

I want to take this time to encourage you to take time on your Birthday—or any day—to reflect and re-focus on God’s best for you. Plan to ask yourself a few good questions!

Would anyone like to share a question or two you ask yourself each year?

Blessings,
Thora

This week has been a fun and exciting time for me, Mother’s Day is this weekend and I get to make all the plans! My husband told me to decide on what I want to do because that day is “All about me”… All about me! I was so excited when I heard those three little words, because we all know it’s never about us.

So I started making plans to do all the little things I hardly ever have time for, like taking a bubble bath, renting chick flicks, ordering Chinese food and sitting on my couch for hours at a time with no interruptions!

Then I stopped and laughed knowing that Sunday morning I’m going to wake up wanting to be with my children. I’m sure the day will revolve around them because we all know that our kids can’t be bored! I’m ok with however the day turns out after all when I see them smile, I smile!

          May she who gave you birth

          be happy. ~ Proverbs 23:25

“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts.  A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.”  ~Sophia Loren~

 Happy Mother’s Day to all

you Mother’s Out there!

          Love, Eva

Several realizations from one event.

Last weekend I participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Glendale. Hundreds of people of all ages coming together to raise money for cancer research. We come at it from different angles. Some of us are survivors, some are care-givers, there are family members and friends, and even people who just want to help.

As I made lap after lap on the track at Ironwood High School, I realized that what we all had in common was: Hope. We all shared the hope that there will be a cure found.

This was my third year, and there were more people participating than in 2008, and 2008 had grown from 2007. More kids and adults were coming together because, somewhere somehow, someone helped them see that they can make a difference. Another realization: Hope is being passed on.

By far the biggest team there was Team Saulo. Last year Team Saulo, out of Thunderbird High School, rallied around Saulo Morris – a friend, a brother, a son. Even though Saulo passed away last December of Leukemia, Team Saulo was back. They had more students, and their fund raising tents took up a good chunk of the track edge. Everywhere you looked was a green t-shirt that read “Team Saulo” on the front, and “Fight Back” on the back. A third realization: Hope endures.

I thought that this was so much like our church.

We are young or old. We are survivors, and care-givers, family members and friends, and people who want to help. And no matter what brought us here, we all have something in common: Hope. We have the hope of the salvation of Jesus Christ.

Look around the church campus because we are growing. We are expanding in all our ministries, and preparing for the expansion that will come further still when we open the doors of the new church building. More people are joining the church because somewhere somehow, someone reached out to them. This is how: Hope is being passed on.

As we know, being christian doesn’t mean that everything will well. We have struggles, and troubles. We lose loved ones and sometimes ourselves, but there are people around you to help you, and we can turn to God at anytime knowing that He will fight back for us. And so: Hope endures.

Colossians 1:27 (NIV)  To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Have hope. Share hope. See hope go on.

Peace!

Barb