in the waiting

I know I'm all about videos this week. But I just couldn't resist.

I got this from one of our young ladies today - she emailed it and said, "Watch this. This is my heart." And I am so proud of her. She's helping friends with wedding plans, sending them off on dates, oohing and aahing over their newest relationship news. Her heart is so consecrated to Jesus and enthralled with His plan for her.

Waiting for God's best is hard. But there is much more reward to the wait than pain. Much more. I'll be testifying about those rewards soon! Can't wait to tell you about the wonderful man Jesus has brought into my life. And he's showing me more every day how much he is worth the wait.

Be encouraged! Whatever you may be waiting on - God's got it!

building attendance or attendees

Chandler and Furtick from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo.

Lately my thoughts have been circling around the concepts presented by Matt Chandler and Steven Furtick in this video.

I've never been to either of their churches. I frequent Furtick's blog; I've never read anything from Chandler. I'm not throwing them up here for a game of pick the "right" pastor. They just represent two different approaches for advancing the Kingdom (which I believe both are doing successfully). I'd be very interested to know where you/your church stand on this conversation.

The tagline of this exchange was "Preaching to build the attendance VS. Preaching to build the attendees".

My thought? Why the VS? If I had to choose?...Both. Why not both?

Preach the Gospel. And use whatever means, short of sin, to bring in more people to hear this Good News. I don't think we need to forego depth in order to reach more people. There's got to be a way to get the real Message to many people without compromising It's truth.

Why do we feel the need to choose? Why think we can be "seeker sensitive" or we can "preach the Word"? It's not about choosing between quality and quantity of attendees. It's about facilitating the opportunity for your church to make many, true disciples.

Every time the Pastor enters the pulpit, there can be temptation beforehand on either side of the spectrum. He can think, "I better strike point three. Just saw so-and-so and I don't want to offend them." Or he can think, "Good. They're here. They need to hear this." Both thoughts are fleshly.

If our Message seeks to honor Christ, crafted in the heart of man by the Holy Spirit, preached to bring Him glory and see Him lifted up...He will take care of the results. He will draw people to Himself. And He'll draw them into a deep, thriving relationship.

Our job isn't to build "large" churches. Or to make people become more faithful as disciples. Our job is to be obedient in seeking God and speaking truth...in love, and with listeners in mind. Our job is to provide every possible opportunity for people to get to know the real Jesus. As many people as possible.

I'm sure, when you get to the bottom of this exchange, that's what both pastors are saying. Build the Church - which is made of people. The only true way to build a church, is to build people.

How does your church do this?

everybody's fine

Sometimes I forget God is God. On the throne. Not my buddy or my confidante or even just the lover of my soul. Almighty God. The One responsible for everything.

The One responsible. For everyone.

I like to think I'm a bit of a caregiver. I like to take good care of people. I enjoy being the kind of person who helps. Who anticipates what might be needed. And, before it's even asked - done. It's a family trait. A great caregiver can do this without you even seeing that they've taken care of you. They become invisible. Amenities and comforts just *poof*, appear out of nowhere.

My Mother has always been this way. She never had to say, "here". Things were always just there. There were no midnight runs to the pharmacy in our home; we were always stocked with the necessities. Never waited for clean linens. Never noticed dirt in my home; it was gone before given the chance to be fruitful and multiply. She has always taken incredible care of us. I like to think I learned a little from her - though at times my caregiving tends to be more "personal" than "practical" (midnight runs to wal-mart and beyond aren't a stranger to my life).

The plight of the caregiver? Thinking if they don't give, someone will lack. If they don't care, who will? We run ourselves ragged thinking, "They need this..." or "I have to do this," and "what will happen if I don't?". Pride gets the best of me sometimes. I think that I can (and should) take excellent care of every person in my life. That I'm somehow responsible for their well-being and happiness. I create this picture where everyone needs me and I have value in my world because I can provide for people a comfort and ease that they need. Dangerous territory, that is.

There's a part in the movie Bruce Almighty where Jim Carrey, who is assuming the responsibilities of God (yes, Yahweh, God, Jehovah), is responding to hundreds of "prayers" (emails) and doling out answers and blessings. Until he can't. Until it's overwhelming. Until he realizes he's barely a decent human...let alone a suitable "God".

Feels good to be needed, doesn't it? Feels good to "come through" for someone. Until I can't. Until I reach my limit. And then, there are a bunch of people I've set up to "need" me who feel failed, disappointed. Or thankful that I've realized I don't have the capacity to meet their needs anyway and they can stop stroking my ego which is begging for affirmation.

It feels horrible in a really holy, beautiful way to look around and realize, "everybody's fine".

The race comes to a hault; I look around to spot Jesus' eyes. He is calmly reclined, amused by my dance, and waiting to take care of me in all the ways I keep telling everyone, "I'm fine".

I've kept Him waiting long enough...

Pace Setter

I love going to the gym for so many reasons. It's good for me - body, soul and spirit. Worship music pumping through me while I exhaust my every frustration, anger, disappointment and worry. I am anonymous. Not noteworthy in any way. Middle of the pack. And happy to be.

Tonight as I breezed into the ladies gym (easiest to ensure anonymity and invisibility), I hopped on the treadmill, set my pace, and starting zoning out. I was walking kind of furiously, my mind racing, and I began to get irritated with my "neighbor". She kept glancing over at me. "What, lady?" I thought, "Geez, eyes forward. I'm not here as far as you're concerned." And then, I noticed. She'd glance over at me and hit a button on her treadmill. And repeat. She was aiming to match my pace. I'd turn it up and run a second; she'd turn hers up and walk more briskly. I'd back down, she'd back down. I couldn't help but smile. We women...we're not to be outdone!

But then a stark reality hit me. I'm a pace setter. If you're a leader, that's what you do. Your pace is an example to those around you. They'll modulate their stride in proportion to yours. You've seen it, I'm sure. Sometimes we're the pace setter in an environment and have no idea. Of all the people in this gym, why in the world would this chick want to match my pace!? But yet, she did. If I quit, she'd give herself room to slow down. If I ran, she pushed herself.

Go too fast, our fellow journeyers become discouraged, thinking they can't keep up. They may sit it out.

Go too slow, they'll find the pace monotonous and unambitious, "we'll never get anywhere at this rate". They may look around for someone else's pace to match.

Steady and strong. Regardless of circumstance or opposition. That should be my pace as a leader. Gently turning things up a notch, encouraging those around me toward their personal best. Slowing it down a bit when I see they're trying to catch their breath.

You're a pace setter in your home. When we run rampant and strive, it's evident how those around us will feel: burdened, stressed and inadequate (just like we probably feel). But take it at a manageable, sustainable, faithful pace, carrying peace and composure, and watch your fellow travelers. They seem lighter and more confident. They feel safe with you. They stay by your side longer. They grow.

And eventually, they supersede your pace, toss you a grateful wave and move forward. While your feet keep plodding pavement. Steadily, faithfully.

Every year is another notch. Sometimes it seems no faster - just more of an incline. You're being stretched in ways no one can perceive. But you are being strengthened. And when someone matches, really matches, that pace...then the strength you're gaining becomes theirs as well.

Press on. Pray for a second wind. Get refreshed and get back on pace. I've got to do whatever it takes. There are still people waiting to hear the Good News.

"But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from [which was entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news (Gospel) of God's grace (His unmerited favor, spiritual blessing, and mercy)."

-Paul

(if you love this print as much as I do...click here)

"I Have Decided"

Here's a disclaimer: I'm writing this at 2 am (never advisable) because I've been sick and started a new medicine that keeps me up. all. night. But, I figure why not make use of this midnight oil and do something I haven't had the free-thinking time to do in a while: spend time with you.

For some reason, this memory keeps coming back to me these past few weeks...

On Mother's Day of 2009 I was in Arizona, spending the first Mother's Day in forever with my Mom and my Gramma. I lucked out, because that just happened to also be the weekend my dear cousin, Sherri, was having her precious daughter dedicated to Jesus, so we all got to share in the service together.

Of course, Gramma was overjoyed that yet another grand/great-grandbaby was being dedicated to the Lord, so the time together was emotional in general. But at the conclusion of the service, as we sang the hymn "I Have Decided", emotion took a backseat to a divine encounter.

We had already been through so much of this cancer battle. Ups, downs, heartbreaks, exhilarating victories. But we had no idea what the future might hold. Years before the battle had begun, Gramma went through a pretty sad time while her hearing deteriorated. She had loved to sing and hearing loss swept that away (in a public sense anyway).

But not for this moment...

As the worship team led us in song, she began humming beside me. Then, singing softly. And then, I could sense the Holy Spirit all around as her voice grew louder: "I have decided to follow Jesus...no turning back, no turning back," and "though none go with me, still I will follow". Through each verse, her voice grew more sincere, full of emotion, commitment and history. And I was so aware I was merely eavesdropping on a conversation that had nothing to do with me. Or anyone else, really. The declaration had been in her spirit since the grim diagnosis.

But I felt so honored to be a bystander and hear the exchange between them; this woman so full of trust and a Savior who held all of her life in the palm of His hand. She sang words that only someone who really knew this Jesus could sing. Words with one theme, "If it's only me and You. If only we can walk this journey. I will follow. Just to be with You. You and Me."

I quietly let the moment wash over me. It was so reassuring. So feeble in trusting Jesus sometimes, I stood beside this General who, in one brief exchange, put every worry or doubt to rest. I kept my eyes closed, not wanting to lose the moment.

"Jesus, I want to know all she knows about You. I want to be decided that way. Give me what she's got." I still seek for all she had, and more. I can only imagine what she's got now. What a reward.

What a Savior; what a Friend. Who else could beckon such deep love and trust in the midst of all that may (or may not) happen on our confounding journeys? No one else would be worthy of such devotion. Such love. Only the One who gave all just to have us close to Him.

Truly, He is so close to the broken-hearted.

Tomorrow, I'm spending some time fasting and praying for Kate McRae and her family (click the link to read her story). Kate's (7) diagnosis is also grim. But through the McRae family, I hear the same declaration echoed in brokenness and reverence: "I have decided". There are links on Kate's site to her parents' blogs. Join in praying for Kate's total and complete healing if you're willing/able.

My Digital Toolbox

Alright. I saw a post from Carlos Whittaker a few weeks ago that inspired me to pass on a few things to you all. He listed the digital/technological tools which were coming in handy most for him currently. And on his list were several things I was using, but also several things I needed (and consequently, am now using). So, I'm going to list a few "must-have" items in my digital (administrative and design) toolbox. They're great (mostly free) tools for organizing or "pretty-fying" your life.

First let me say this: I am, seriously, in no way, shape or form, a technological whizkid. I am merely trying to keep up with my peers and, most the time, save face. These guys help me with that a LOT:

1. Bittbox.com free giveaways (lots of textures), great tips, tons of resources for us "self-taught" designers.

2. Evernote.com Network all your to-do lists. THIS IS A LIFESAVER! No more combining a list from your phone, on your laptop and jotted on the back of a receipt. As soon as you type your thought on Evernote on your phone, it's uploaded to your computer. Take pictures and save ideas you've seen. Etc.

3. Vimeo.com the easiest way on the planet to get your video to your website. (trust me, if I figured it out...it's the easiest!)

4. Dropbox.com annoyed with trying to maintain the same files on your laptop as desktop as phone as....? no more. Keep all your "across-the-board" files in your dropbox and they'll be available when and where you need them. No problem. Shred your jump drives. Blech.

5. Yousendit.com Sending huge files back and forth across the world? This has been a seamless and easy way for me. Send PSD's, large images, whatever. Inexpensive and fast.

6. Of course I wouldn't be able to live without my Macbook Pro. (I used to be a PC girl. It's true. And converting me was no easy task. But I've seen the light and I'm never turning back.)

7. RapidWeaver. A program my eight year old nephew could most likely build his own, personal website using. It's FABULOUSITY.

8. Motorola Droid. I know. I hear you iPhone snobs giggling. But it hasn't failed me yet! I actually quite love my phone and it has effectively made my office mobile.

9. Stacks, RapidWeaver plug-in. Another essential for easy website creation. Create your images and toss them in. D-o-n-e.

10. Twitter. Follow the right people and you won't get "left-behind". I follow designers, politicians, pastors, leaders, musicians and really smart friends. A tweet at just the right time, with just the right resource, has saved me hours. True story.

11. And....friends. I know that's not a "digital" tool, perse. But friends like Michelle Weger keep me moving in the right direction.

And, coming soon, a more "meaningful" post (though productivity has significance all its own).

What You Do in Practice...

I played softball when I was a kid. It was a huge part of my life in elementary and middle school. Trust me, I wasn’t an MVP, but I gave it my all! We lived about a mile and a half from the ballpark in our town and I used to ride my bike to practices or games. Sometimes I’d ride my bike to the field when I knew no one else would be there.

I’d sit quietly in the dugout and run through plays in my head. Go over my mistakes from the last game, my victories, what I could do better. What position I’d be shooting for next. I’d imagine what it would be like when I was at my best. It was like I had a relationship with the field nobody else had because of those moments spent there. Quiet, contemplative moments.

We had an incredible coach named JoDonna Birdoff. If you know anything about coaching, you know that your team will not produce something that you don’t have. They will, however, reproduce your character right before your very eyes. They will face adversity the way you do. Treat their competitors as you treat yours. Honor each other the way you honor them. And they will have your endurance and strength of will. If you choose to coach, you will reproduce who you are, not what you want.

JoDonna knew this well. She coached us girls to have character. Respect for people. Integrity – the same person on and off the field. And I can’t tell you how many times her voice echoed across the field, “What you do in practice you’ll do in the game! Remember that. WHAT YOU DO IN PRACTICE, YOU WILL DO IN THE GAME!”

There was no tolerance for sloppiness, distractions, comparing ourselves to one another, smack talk or laziness.

“Bock! What was that!? Pay attention! This isn’t just practice! What you do in practice, you’ll do in the game!”

That phrase ran me through college. It compelled me to behave as a working adult before I had the job I was shooting for. It drew my attention to silly habits I knew I couldn’t bring with me. It forced me to confront immature thought patterns. “Is this the kind of person I want to be in the game of life?”

I would hear it on Sunday mornings when I studied late the night before.“I don’t want to go to church early today.” “What you do in practice, you’ll do in the game.”

It would ring in my mind when I was tempted to slack on some commitment I’d made, “What you do in practice, you’ll do in the game.”

It hung over my head when I wanted to be just a little late for class, “What you do in practice…”.

There is something about athletics that forges character. There is no instant gratification. The principles of the game are irrevocable: you will not be great without sacrifice; victory will cost you something; be the one working when everyone else is asleep. Those are principles of greatness we all need for life.

My “education” on the field may have more to do with who I am than any classroom lesson. Because now, when our church is empty, people are with their families and no one is really thinking about church, I love to go sit in the sanctuary. Just like I sat at the field. I run things through in my mind – past moments, victories, defeats. I dream of what will be. I pace the floor with bare feet, knowing the carpet is probably just as familiar with me as I am with it.

I’m in the game now; practice has been over for quite some time.

I want my love for life to be contagious, like a good coach’s love for the game. I want to be that persevering, strength of will, forward-looking, never-letting-up person that compels people to be better than they think they can be. I want to be a person of longevity. Someone who understands that adversity isn’t always the enemy. Not backing down from challenge in any area of my life; making tenacity a hallmark of my character. All the while, hoping this will be reproduced in those closest to me, that they’ll reap the benefits of unseen time I’ve sown…

Fourteen years later, I’m still pretty thankful for what I reaped from JoDonna.