Saturday morning scriptures and stuff.... "Success vs. Significance"

We all want to be successful, right?  I must admit that I spent much of my 20's and 30's consumed with thoughts of being "successful".  I even put off doing some things that I knew should be priorities, thinking to myself that I would get to those things after I reached a particular goal or achieved a certain amount of success.   The bad thing is that those priorities got lost in the shuffle because some of those goals never got reached.  Uh-oh. 

    A friend of mine recently told me that at some point in your life, you shift your thinking from wanting to be successful, to wanting to be significant.  That was one of those eye-opening "Oh Yes!" moments for me.  Significance!!  That's what I'm really searching for... but how do I get there??

It's a healthy human attribute to want our life to count for something.  We want to be significant.  We want to matter. -- I don't know about you, but when I think of "significant" people, I usually think of names like Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Billy Graham, Thomas Edison or Albert Einstein.  I then start to think, "Well, they were special individuals who had great gifts that I do not have, so there's no way I can make a difference in this world like they did."   Well, maybe I won't make a difference the way THEY did, but that doesn't mean I can't make a difference in my OWN way. 

Do you think Thomas Edison thought to himself, "Hmmm... I really want to be "significant".  What can I do to leave a legacy behind that will show that what I did left a lasting impression on mankind??  Hey, I know!! I'll invent a lightbulb!  THAT should do it!"

Do you think Mother Teresa woke up one day and said, "Well now, I really want to be "significant".  What can I do to make sure people remember me and all the good I did for years and years to come?  Hey, I know!!  I'll become a nun and devote my life to mission work and charities!  THAT should do it!" 

No, something tells me those scenarios didn't happen.  They weren't on a search for "significance".  They were just doing what they were born to do.  Using the gifts God gave them.  I'll bet they just looked at each day as an opportunity to use those gifts and make the most of them.  A little bit at a time.

"We must not ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee."  - Marian Wright Edelman

My women's bible study group is in the middle of reading Angie Smith's new book "What Women Fear".  This week we discussed Chapter 7 which is the "Fear of Not being Signficant".    I learned two really important lessons in that chapter.

         1. You can't let the approval or recognition of other people be our barometer of whether or not we matter,  because those other people are flawed the same way you are and they can't objectively evaluate who you are.

        2. You can't compare yourself to other people (ie Mother Teresa).  Comparing leads to competition.  That will either lead you to be puffed up in your victory or deflated by your failure. 

Angie also writes, "The desire to be significant is God-given and, I believe, intended to make us long for the ways He chooses to use us."

USE us?  You mean, being significant is about being USED?  Ah-ha!  I may be a little slow, but I think I'm starting to get it now.   How can I REALLY feel significant?  Follow in Jesus' footsteps.  Be a servant.  USE your gifts to serve others.


Luke 22 says:

 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater,  the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

Serve. Sacrifice. Love 


I want to write those three words on my bathroom mirror so every morning I'll remember those are the three ways to be significant.  When I do those things, I know I am mirroring what our savior Jesus did to be significant.  And you can't help but touch others in significant ways when you do them.

No matter what we do, we are always significant to the One who matters --God. He made each one of us deliberately and with unique gifts.  We are all precious to Him and carrying THAT truth is what gives me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and serve.  It doesn't matter what the world thinks of me.  HE loves me.  And that's all that really matters.


Have a great week my friends!!

Saturday Morning Scriptures and Stuff...."Humility"

Hey guys and gals.... I missed writing my Saturday morning blog last week because I was in GA with my good friends James Casto and Carole Ford performing at Chukkar Farms AND getting the honor of helping with the worship music at Roswell United Methodist Church.  That was one of the highlights of my week!
   My buddies, Ellen and Monica, drove down to GA with me (oh, and Sunny too!) and the fall foliage was SO beautiful.  Truly stunning going over Monteagle Mountain. 



Anyway, it's good to be home and back to my regular Sat morning routine.  Read a great daily devotion last week about Humility.

"Humility is a strange thing.  The minute you think you've got it, you've lost it.

Understanding, deep within our soul, that God is in charge of our life removes our fear and anxiety.  Quietly, then, we receive the gift of humility.

The realization that we are only responsible for our own actions lifts a great burden from our shoulders.  We know humility each time we agree to let God take charge of the rest.  The burden of all outcomes is rightly God's.

Humility teaches us that we will know just what we need to know at the moment we need it -- now and in the future.  These moments that are claiming our attention now are all we need be concerned with.  God will offer us every message we need in the quiet of our soul when the time is right.  We can be at ease.

Today I will humbly accept my responsibilities in life and be glad that God will take care of the rest."


Because I struggle with self-confidence on a daily basis, I thought I had humility in the bag.  But after reading this, I realized that I still have a long way to go on that.  Why?  Well because....

1. I still want to carry the burden of all outcomes.  (silly me)

2. I want God to clue me in on His plans ahead of time.  "C'mon God, we partners, right?   I don't want to be on a 'need to know' basis!  Give me the road map of the future NOW so I know what's coming around the corner!" -- Sigh.  I guess I DO need to work on some humility.

   I will say that I've been making a strong effort this week to adjust my thinking and TRULY turn some things over to God that have been in my tight grasp for awhile now.   It certainly has made my heart a little lighter to know that I gave those things away and I truly don't have to carry them around anymore.

How about you guys?  Have you been desperately holding on to something that you were hesitant to turn over to God because you were afraid that He might not handle it the way YOU wanted it to be handled?   It ain't easy sometimes, that's for sure.    Just try loosening your grip this week on ONE thing that you've been desperately holding on to.  Watch and see how much lighter your burden feels.  God's got it.  He does.  And what I've found is that usually His plans for ANY situation are SOOOO much cooler than the ones I had!

Ya'll have a great weekend!

  

Saturday Morning Scriptures and Stuff ... "Better Days"

If you follow me on twitter, you may be wondering about my posts this week with the hashmark #BetterDaysChallenge.  Last week our pastor, Pete Wilson at Crosspoint Community Church, gave a very inspiring and informative sermon that stuck with me all week.  Pete started with these 4 True or False questions. 

1. Extreme poverty is worse than it's been in recent history.  T or F
2. The average American is less healthy now than any other time in history.  T or F
3. There are more deadly natural disasters these days than any other time since weather records have been kept.   T or F
4. Crime rates have risen over the last 30 years.  T or F

I'll bet most of us would answer "True" to all of those questions, however, as Pete pointed out, every one of them is a big "False".

Why is it that our perception of what's happening in the world today seems to be much different that what is really happening in the world today?    

So much of how we feel about our world and even our personal situation is related to our attitudes and what we believe to be truths.  We are constantly fed the message that "Life is Bad.. and it's getting worse".    We are fed that by the media, blogs, friends, and even some of our churches.  All of these are trusted sources, right?  So why would we NOT believe what they are telling us?  No one would tell us lies on purpose, right?   Well.. maybe. 

If you have time, you should watch or listen to this sermon because I think it's really eye-opening.  You can go to the main Crosspoint website here... then you will see the "Audio-Video" button on the bottom left corner.  That will lead you to a link to download the sermon.  You can easily watch or listen in I-Tunes.  

Back to my #BetterDaysChallenge hashmark..... Pete ended the sermon with a challenge for us all.  Try to find 3 things that you can list each day that you are grateful for.   Some days it's easier for me than others.  Some days I have big things to be grateful for, and some days only a little thing like "pizza delivery" is all I can squeak out.   I want to encourage you to try the "Better Days Challenge" with me.  Try it for one week.  Don't go to bed without sitting down and listing 3 things you are thankful for.  It sure helps ME keep things in perspective. 

Gratitude not only leads to more happiness... it leads to hope.  When has pessimism ever changed anything?   When has cynicism ever breathed new life into a hopeless situation? 

I Peter 1:13 - "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming."

There are 3 more weeks of the "Better Days" series at Crosspoint.  All the campus sites and times of services are on the website.  If you are feeling down about what's going on in the world these days.  If you are having trouble finding hope.  If you are struggling with believing that there ARE better days ahead... please join us this Sunday at Crosspoint.   I think you will leave with a smile on your face!

Have a great week friends! --- M

Saturday Morning Scriptures and Stuff ... "Words of Life"

"For they are not meaningless words to you but they are your life...."  -- Deuteronomy 32:47

I started reading my bible again this week.  I mean REALLY reading my bible.  A slap in the face came from the Oct. 19th morning devotional from "Experiencing God Day by Day", a book that my friend Kim gave me recently.  All the words in italics below are directly from that book.

It's puzzling that so many Christians try to live the Christian life without reading their Bible, except for sporadic perusals of God's Word, seeking a pithy thought for the day.  The Word of God is not merely a source of helpful suggestions preventive warnings, or inspirational thoughts:  It is life itself!

OUCH.  That one stung. Guilty as charged.  I have become horribly remiss at spending time in God's word.  Yes, I crack open the Bible several times a week, randomly looking for something that will speak to me, but probably not as urgently as I should.  No, definitely not. 

God commanded His people to bind His words on their hearts, to teach them diligently to their children, and to regularly discuss them in their homes.

Oh MAN.... I am really getting knocked around here today.  "Diligently" and "Regularly"??  We have a long way to go around our household.  For sure.  Major reality check here.

Our reverence for God's Word is revealed not only by what we say but also by what we do.  Spending more time reading and studying the words of people rather than the Word of God reveals our hearts' condition.

WOW.  The words of people.  Yes, I have been spending more time lately studying the words of people.  And I have been learning ALOT from those wise words.  However, I realize that doing that at the expense of having time to read God's words is not a healthy thing to do.   I need both.

SO.... I went here:  www.youversion.com   They have several different choices of bible reading plans.  I picked the Robert Roberts 1 year reading plan.  Not really sure WHY I went with that one, but I did, and I'm liking it so far.  Cool thing is, there is an app for my phone so I can read or review my daily passages while waiting to pick up Sam from school, or at the gym on the treadmill, or standing in line at the grocery store.  I don't have to be near my bible to access the verses that should be on my mind and heart for that day.   I love it!

It may seem like a random time to start a new reading plan.  And my first instinct was to make a resolution to start reading the bible daily on Jan 1st.... then I realized "Why wait?".   Let's start NOW.

If you feel you have been missing out on God's words for you, I'd love for you to join me on my one-year plan.  It will be fun to do it together!   Can't wait to dig in deep into God's words again.  To see what He wants to implant into my heart.  Remembering His promises and reminding myself of His constant presence.  I'm excited!!   

Hope you all have a great weekend..... Much love... M

Saturday Morning Scriptures and Stuff ... "Listening"

 "Listening means an unhurried time when God really can have a chance to imprint His thoughts in your mind."  

I know that I'm not the best sometimes at "listening".  Not to God.  Not to my husband, children or friends.   "Did you just hear what I said?", is a common question that I'm ashamed to admit my husband or son asks me way too frequently.   There are 2 things that prevent me from being a good listener.

1.  I'm too busy talking, sharing MY side of the situation to really hear what THEY are trying to tell me.

2.  I'm too distracted by something that I think is more important for me to focus on at the moment, so I don't turn my attention completely to the person who is standing before me trying to have a conversation.

I'm ashamed to say that I can't even begin to count the times I've made my son stand before me, waiting to talk to me while I finished composing an email that I felt the need to prioritize before whatever he needed from me at the moment.

I'm embarrassed to admit how many times my husband has had to answer the question "So, what are you doing tomorrow?" more than once because the first time I asked him, I didn't even listen to his answer.  Maybe I got distracted by something on tv, or a funny email that just showed up on my laptop, or a text message from a friend.  So I initialize a conversation by asking him the question, "So honey, what are you doing tomorrow?", then I DON'T EVEN LISTEN TO HIS ANSWER.  That leaves me having to ask him the question again, which usually begins with him shooting me a dirty look and saying "I just TOLD you what I'm doing tomorrow.  You weren't listening again, were you?"

How many times do I do that with God?  Oh-boy.  
Here's an excerpt from one of my devotional readings this week:

      "How can we know God's will if we don't listen?  If we dedicate time to God each day, interesting results are possible, almost certain.  When we first awaken, for instance, if we turn our attention to God and even if we experience nothing but God's presence, we will start the day right.   
      Some days, if we listen, thoughts will come to us of what God want us to do.  Some days it may be just a sense of peace and rest.  Or it could be a need to get advice from a friend, or to help someone in need.  It takes practice, but if we keep listening, we'll be able to distinguish God's voice from the chattering voice of our own ego."

So... anyone else have trouble listening?   I just CAN'T be the only one struggling with this, right??

How do YOU listen?    When do you feel like it's the best time for you to "hear" God?   Do you do something to prepare to listen?    Do tell... I'm all ears.  :-) 

Saturday Morning Scriptures and Stuff...."Fear of Failure..."

So... today I'm reviewing a chapter from Angie Smith's new book "What Women Fear" that my small group is reading together.  We talked about Chapter 4 this past week which is about the Fear of Failure.  Holy Cow, could I relate to that, or what??
Angie tells the story of finding her father's painting easel up in his study one morning after years of not having time to paint.  There was a fresh canvas up along with a pile of art books stacked on his desk.  When she expressed her excitement to him about his venture back into painting, he seemed hesitant. 

(from Angie's book)
"So you're just reading about it, huh?  Not really ready to do it yet", I said.
     He shook his head.
"No, babe. I'm way too rusty. I mean, I haven't held a paintbrush in years.  I need to study it first and then I'll just...."  He trailed off as I made a face that told him I could see right through his act.
     "You're scared it's not going to turn out right, aren't you?" I smiled.
"Well, you can't just pick up a brush and start painting.  You won't know what you're doing and then it'll..."
"It'll be what, Dad?"  He shifted his weight and looked me in the eye.
"Well, it would be a mess."  He kept his hand on the books while I grabbed the brushes.
"You need to just do it, Dad.  You're so worried about failing that you're going to read yourself right into oblivion.  You're not ever going to actually do anything with all this knowledge you're gaining, so it's kind of useless, don't you think?"
So easy to say about some brushes and tubes of old paint.
Not so easy to hear as a statement about your fears.

How many times have I wanted to jump into something I felt God was calling me to do, but let the fear of failure get the better of me?

How many times have I hestitated to take on a great opportunity because I was afraid I would fail?

Sometimes the fear of failure steals the beauty we were meant to create.

To me, failure means it doesn't turn out the way I wanted it to.
To God, it means I didn't pick up the brush.

"Walk humbly, boldly and gratefully in the direction you are being led, and the Lord will surely never let you fail.  At least not failure as HE defines it.  And what other definition should matter?

Good stuff Angie... good stuff.

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6

Saturday morning scriptures and stuff.... "Being compassionate"

It's easy to be compassionate, right?  I mean, most of us have no trouble feeling sympathy for someone who is having a hard time.

Who doesn't feel badly for our friend who's marriage just failed?

Who doesn't feel sorry for our neighbor who just lost their job?

Who's heart doesn't break a little bit when we see the homeless man standing on the corner? 

But what do we DO about it?  Having compassion and Being compassionate are two different things.

God tells us to be compassionate with our actions.  This is something I've been personally working on.  I don't want to just feel badly for someone who's struggling, I want to DO something that will actually HELP them in their struggles.  Sitting on the sidelines and thinking "Oh man, that's awful... sure wish there was something I could do" while not actually finding something to do.  I'm afraid that has been me way too many times.

On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. – Obadiah 1:11

That verse hit me like a ton of bricks this week.  When we see an injustice and don't step in and do something to help, it is like WE are just as guilty of the injustice being done.   When we see a need that needs to be met and don't step up and try to meet the need, we just aren't being compassionate.  And God requires us to do that.

I have so many friends who inspire me on a daily basis.  They are truly compassionate with their lives.  They look for ways they can make a difference, not just sit on the sidelines, feeling pity for those they see who are hurting.  They take action.   

"When action-oriented compassion is absent, it's a tell-tale sign that something's spiritually amiss."

The sad fact is that too many Christians sit on the sidelines.  They go to church, put their 10% in the offering plate, maybe even read their bibles each day, but are they doing the work that Jesus requires of them?  Are they taking care of their fellow man? 

I had 2 different instances this week where someone went out of their way to help me.  It was just a couple of little things to them, but to ME, they were HUGE.  It meant somebody cared enough to notice me.  It meant somebody cared enough about me to DO something about my need.  And it made a big impression on me that stayed with me all week. 

I've been guilty of thinking of something little that I could do for someone, and then NOT doing it, because I think it's too little.   I convince myself that it wouldn't make enough of a difference, so why bother.  I think if I don't do something BIG for someone, then it doesn't matter.  ---I'M NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THAT LIE ANYMORE.  

The little things DO matter.  I'll bet those people that did those things for me this week have probably completely forgotten about them.  They were so little to them.... but they have lingered with me.  They meant ALOT to me. 

I'm going to try to look for little things this week.  Little ways to be compassionate.  Little pokes of God's love to my friends.  Little words to say to someone that might be exactly what they need to hear.  If we ask God to guide us in the little things, I am sure they will end up as HUGE things.

"Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous."  I Peter 3:8

Saturday morning scriptures and stuff.... The Sunday edition!!

My friend Kim gave me a new devotional book.  It's called "Experiencing God Day by Day".  She said it's her favorite devotional and I can see why!  It's got some great daily readings and I know I'm going to really enjoy having it to dig into.   This is one that particularly spoke to me this week:

 NOTHING CAN SEPARATE YOU 

Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or nakedness or danger or sword? -- Romans 8:35


Nothing you could ever experience, no matter how terrible or frightening, could ever separate you from the love of God.  No tribulation and distress you might ever suffer could be so intense that God's love for you is not even more fervent. No persecution could be so painful that God's love cannot bring comfort.


If you base your view of God's love on your circumstances, you will become confused.  There may be times when you will ask, "How could a loving God allow this to happen to me?"  You may begin to question what you find clearly stated in the Word of God.  God promised that you would never be separated from His love; He did not say that you would never face hardship, persecution, poverty or danger.  If you doubt that God could love you and still allow you to experience difficult experiences, consider the life of Jesus.


If you allow the death of Jesus on the cross to forever settle any questions you might have about God's love, you will approach difficult circumstances with confidence.  Knowing that there will never be anything that could separate you from God's perfect love, you will watch to see how God expresses His love in each circumstance.  Don't ever judge God's love based on your circumstances.  Instead, evaluate your circumstances from the perspective of God's love.

I've got 2 questions for ya this week:
        1)  When do you find yourself feeling separated from God? -- and How do you re-connect to Him?
       2)  What's your favorite devotional?

Ok, I know that was actually three questions..... do tell.