I ran the half marathon on Thanksgiving day. It went really well and I was happy with my time. I'm happy the rest of Thanksgiving weekend is over.
Sometimes in ministry things happen that really bless you and other times things that really break your heart. These past few days I've seen my share of heartbreak and I'm exhausted and worn out.
It's in these days that I'm reminded just how truly blessed I am.
Often times I give some of the homeless guys we work with a ride down to our main shelter since it's on my way home. Tonight I had the privilege of driving someone down there who is just a sweet, humble man. I work with a lot of homeless people and he's a little bit different than the rest. He recently had an accident on a construction site and has injured his right wrist. He is certain that his wrist isn't broken but we are going to try get him some medical help. He is just so thankful, uplifting and encouraging. He was a blessing to me today. I'm thankful that I'm healthy and can use both of my wrists without pain.
At dinner tonight I met a gentlemen who wanted to come and help with the homeless activities we have going on. We spent some time in conversation afterward and I learned that he, too, is homeless. He was so well dressed and put together that you would never expect him to be homeless. The difference between him and others is that he lives in his car and bounces to and from his friend's places. Oh--and he doesn't consider himself homeless. I'm thankful that I had the privilege to have a meaningful conversation with him.
Yesterday I found myself in the apartment of one of my employees (now former employee) who relapsed into drug use. As I sat there holding him as he cried my heart broke. I'm blessed that I don't struggle from that addiction. Hopefully he is on his way to healing and wholeness. He was clean for over two years.
We went to the Veterans Administration hospital and nursing home today to distribute Christmas gifts. There were soldiers there who were missing limbs and the psych ward will forever be etched in my memory. I'm blessed that I have my limbs and that I'm not living in a psychiatric hospital.
One of the volunteers with us (a member of our rehabilitation program) had a heart attack about an hour after we left the facility and died. I'm thankful that I have a functioning heart even if it breaks every now and again.
All in all the past couple of days have been rough. I know that God is in control and that there are diamonds in the rough...
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
I'm a bad friend
So, it's true.
I'm a bad friend. The friends that are closest to me know it's true and they love me anyway. I'm awful at remembering birthdays and I don't often call. When they do come around while I'm at work there are always other people around taking my attention away.
I don't call because I'm ALWAYS busy. Always have been. Before I was engaged in constant, full-time ministry as a profession and calling I was a full-time graduate student and an employee. Before that I was a college student and employee. Before that I was heavily involved in my high school music program and involved with my church. Before that I was the parentified child in my household looking after my two younger siblings and taking care of my mom. I've always been busy.
Lately I've been trying to balance work (which I absolutely love) and being a wife who is available. Most of my friends live hundreds or thousands of miles away so we don't get together often or speak much. A couple of the really good friends have trekked to Atlanta to visit--one friend even twice already. Another two sets of friends are planning on coming in January.
I have good friends far away.
I have a very few good friends here in Atlanta, too. I still don't get together often with them, or call, or even facebook them.
One of my friends lost her job about three weeks ago. She came to work tonight to talk to me. She sent me a text when it happened and I totally missed it. She's been trying to get my attention since and I've missed it every time. Add to that her birthday was this past Tuesday. I utterly and totally forgot it. I have no excuse.
I'm a bad friend.
How do I fix it? I try to balance but there never is enough time for everyone and everything (welcome to adulthood, I know).
I've been so focused lately on work, on dealing with a situation with my sick mother back in Pennsylvania, and on having time for Andy that I have completely blocked out everyone else.
I'm sorry.
I have a 12 mile run in the morning as prep for the half marathon in two weeks. I can think about how to be a better friend during the run.
I'm a bad friend. The friends that are closest to me know it's true and they love me anyway. I'm awful at remembering birthdays and I don't often call. When they do come around while I'm at work there are always other people around taking my attention away.
I don't call because I'm ALWAYS busy. Always have been. Before I was engaged in constant, full-time ministry as a profession and calling I was a full-time graduate student and an employee. Before that I was a college student and employee. Before that I was heavily involved in my high school music program and involved with my church. Before that I was the parentified child in my household looking after my two younger siblings and taking care of my mom. I've always been busy.
Lately I've been trying to balance work (which I absolutely love) and being a wife who is available. Most of my friends live hundreds or thousands of miles away so we don't get together often or speak much. A couple of the really good friends have trekked to Atlanta to visit--one friend even twice already. Another two sets of friends are planning on coming in January.
I have good friends far away.
I have a very few good friends here in Atlanta, too. I still don't get together often with them, or call, or even facebook them.
One of my friends lost her job about three weeks ago. She came to work tonight to talk to me. She sent me a text when it happened and I totally missed it. She's been trying to get my attention since and I've missed it every time. Add to that her birthday was this past Tuesday. I utterly and totally forgot it. I have no excuse.
I'm a bad friend.
How do I fix it? I try to balance but there never is enough time for everyone and everything (welcome to adulthood, I know).
I've been so focused lately on work, on dealing with a situation with my sick mother back in Pennsylvania, and on having time for Andy that I have completely blocked out everyone else.
I'm sorry.
I have a 12 mile run in the morning as prep for the half marathon in two weeks. I can think about how to be a better friend during the run.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Family: A divine concept
I teach a weekly class on Monday afternoons at a transitional shelter for veterans overcoming addiction(s). The class is called Family Issues and we mainly talk about dysfunctional families and how the cycles and patterns of our families repeat through the generations (generational curses) and what can be done to change the pattern.
We've spent a good amount of time talking about dysfunctional families in the Bible but this past Monday we talked about the concept of family.
Starting in Genesis (1:28) we are instructed to make families, "go forth and multiply." This is in a book that has several stories about families and was written (first aurally passed down) for families to read together. In some places the Bible is even still read by families...what a concept that is...
In the Bible the family is a representation of the community. When a family fails the community fails (Israelites as a prime example, or Eli's sons). We see this in our society. We have weak families= weak communities, weak morals, etc. Families, and the larger community, promote growth and strength.
Deuteronomy 29:18 tells us to "make sure there isn't a man or woman among your families or tribes who turns away from the LORD our God" Basically there were consequences when families did not make God worship their primary focus. Family is something more than the "basic unit of society" or a household unit, but is a divine concept made to worship God and to affect change for the better.
Family is not a manmade concept. It originates from the mind of God. God chooses to bless families, not man. God often refers to Christ and the Church as a family (bridegroom, Father-Son, etc).
The Bible, inspired by God, talks loads about relationships and about inheritance. Family patterns were so important that the new testament begins with a family tree of Jesus' line. The old testament ends with instruction for children and parents to love each other. Jesus is God's "only begotten son." When Jesus is dying on the cross he tells John to take care of his mother (John 19:27).
The Bible also talks about the importance of spiritual family. "My mother and my brothers are those people who hear and obey God's word" (Luke 8:20). Spiritual parents and spiritual family look different for different people just as the biological family does.
In a day and age where family values aren't really values at all, where culture is raising even our "Christian" children, where pastors and preachers don't value marriage, or aren't home to spend time with their children, where we divorce just as much inside the Church as outside of the Church, we need to realize that in order to faithfully practice our beliefs we need to reevaluate our notions of family.
We've spent a good amount of time talking about dysfunctional families in the Bible but this past Monday we talked about the concept of family.
Starting in Genesis (1:28) we are instructed to make families, "go forth and multiply." This is in a book that has several stories about families and was written (first aurally passed down) for families to read together. In some places the Bible is even still read by families...what a concept that is...
In the Bible the family is a representation of the community. When a family fails the community fails (Israelites as a prime example, or Eli's sons). We see this in our society. We have weak families= weak communities, weak morals, etc. Families, and the larger community, promote growth and strength.
Deuteronomy 29:18 tells us to "make sure there isn't a man or woman among your families or tribes who turns away from the LORD our God" Basically there were consequences when families did not make God worship their primary focus. Family is something more than the "basic unit of society" or a household unit, but is a divine concept made to worship God and to affect change for the better.
Family is not a manmade concept. It originates from the mind of God. God chooses to bless families, not man. God often refers to Christ and the Church as a family (bridegroom, Father-Son, etc).
The Bible, inspired by God, talks loads about relationships and about inheritance. Family patterns were so important that the new testament begins with a family tree of Jesus' line. The old testament ends with instruction for children and parents to love each other. Jesus is God's "only begotten son." When Jesus is dying on the cross he tells John to take care of his mother (John 19:27).
The Bible also talks about the importance of spiritual family. "My mother and my brothers are those people who hear and obey God's word" (Luke 8:20). Spiritual parents and spiritual family look different for different people just as the biological family does.
In a day and age where family values aren't really values at all, where culture is raising even our "Christian" children, where pastors and preachers don't value marriage, or aren't home to spend time with their children, where we divorce just as much inside the Church as outside of the Church, we need to realize that in order to faithfully practice our beliefs we need to reevaluate our notions of family.
Monday, October 25, 2010
life changing talks around a camp fire
This past weekend we had our young adult camping trip. It was fun, encouraging and very relaxing. It was exactly what I needed.
We had some good, deep conversations about faith and about our personal spiritual growth. We were vulnerable to share some of our struggles with the group around the fire there were several things that the group had in common.
Just about everyone in the group is too busy. I say it's because our priorities are mixed up (they don't match our values) and that Satan uses our schedule against us...
We decided to craft out some time to be together as a group (small group). We also have some just "fun" sporadic things taking place--a few as soon as this next weekend.
Several people in the group reported that they need direction and guidance and with that others are struggling with loneliness...
We decided to call at least two people in the group per week and with that will set up some accountability/prayer partners.
We talked about lots of other things. For church on Sunday morning I shared from Mark 2 where the friends carry the paralytic man to see Jesus by cutting a hole in the roof. I expressed the importance of having friends who have faith--no where does the scripture record that the paralyzed man had faith yet his sins were forgiven AND has was able to get up and walk. Friends are important. We need each other.
It was a good weekend. I'm looking forward to our small group tomorrow night.
We had some good, deep conversations about faith and about our personal spiritual growth. We were vulnerable to share some of our struggles with the group around the fire there were several things that the group had in common.
Just about everyone in the group is too busy. I say it's because our priorities are mixed up (they don't match our values) and that Satan uses our schedule against us...
We decided to craft out some time to be together as a group (small group). We also have some just "fun" sporadic things taking place--a few as soon as this next weekend.
Several people in the group reported that they need direction and guidance and with that others are struggling with loneliness...
We decided to call at least two people in the group per week and with that will set up some accountability/prayer partners.
We talked about lots of other things. For church on Sunday morning I shared from Mark 2 where the friends carry the paralytic man to see Jesus by cutting a hole in the roof. I expressed the importance of having friends who have faith--no where does the scripture record that the paralyzed man had faith yet his sins were forgiven AND has was able to get up and walk. Friends are important. We need each other.
It was a good weekend. I'm looking forward to our small group tomorrow night.
Running in the rain?
I haven't written in a while because the past month has been crazy (a real shocker, I know). We had to let an employee go so for the past month I have been handling all the finances for our building in addition to everything else. It's been...tiring.
I have, for the most part, kept up with running.
Until last week when I came 8 miles short and ran on the treadmill twice instead of outside where I need to be running.
This morning I started out determined to keep up with the mileage.
But it started to rain.
So I ran 6 miles on the treadmill. The problem is that it's supposed to be storming in the morning every day this week so I have to decided whether I am going to run on the treadmill, in the rain in the dark, or move the run to later in the day (which never works out well for me). It's already extremely dark in the wee hours of the morning so the cloudy skies aren't much of a help.
I am determined to stay focused with this half marathon goal.
I have, for the most part, kept up with running.
Until last week when I came 8 miles short and ran on the treadmill twice instead of outside where I need to be running.
This morning I started out determined to keep up with the mileage.
But it started to rain.
So I ran 6 miles on the treadmill. The problem is that it's supposed to be storming in the morning every day this week so I have to decided whether I am going to run on the treadmill, in the rain in the dark, or move the run to later in the day (which never works out well for me). It's already extremely dark in the wee hours of the morning so the cloudy skies aren't much of a help.
I am determined to stay focused with this half marathon goal.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Balancing Act?
Training is going well. I ran a 10k last weekend with Daddy Jim and we had fun. What wasn't fun was over committing myself...which I tend to do often...
After the run I came home, showered, and drove over 4 hours to play in a band benefit concert, turn around and drive all the way back home to Atlanta only to be at the church at 8:00am the next morning. I got home I think after 9pm that Sunday night after preaching in the evening and doing all of the other things that pastors do on Sundays....(insert pity party here). This was a typical weekend. It's sad, pathetic, and not God-honoring.
And then Monday came. We had an interesting week this week because we had leadership councils 5 hours from home for a few days where the speakers stressed the importance of balancing relaxation with work, worship, play, etc and as much as I wanted to relax I had people calling me and my regular weekly demands still to fulfill.
So I felt myself left with the option to take care of work when I should have been relaxing so that I could come home and relax with Andy(my preference by the way) or relax in Savannah and rush through all of my work when I got home, ignoring Andy in the process.
What happened was a mix of the two. I got a little work done, and came home to spend 12 hours in the office yesterday not seeing Andy at all. I spent some good quiet time with God as I got to watch the sunrise from the beach of Tybee Island, GA. Today, after the 7 mile run this morning, Andy and I am spending some much needed time together which I am looking forward to, but there is still work to be done--housework, church work, etc.
It never ends, so where's the balance?
I'm trying to learn and am praying through it all. Jesus was able to balance as he still got up early and took time to pray. During the day people were around him all day with their needs. While I'm not Jesus I can really relate to the demands that were on him all day.
He wasn't married and the scriptures don't really record him taking time to "play" with his friends. His friends were his disciples. Thankfully we don't have any children yet, but that adds another dynamic.
LORD--can you help me balance all of this?
After the run I came home, showered, and drove over 4 hours to play in a band benefit concert, turn around and drive all the way back home to Atlanta only to be at the church at 8:00am the next morning. I got home I think after 9pm that Sunday night after preaching in the evening and doing all of the other things that pastors do on Sundays....(insert pity party here). This was a typical weekend. It's sad, pathetic, and not God-honoring.
And then Monday came. We had an interesting week this week because we had leadership councils 5 hours from home for a few days where the speakers stressed the importance of balancing relaxation with work, worship, play, etc and as much as I wanted to relax I had people calling me and my regular weekly demands still to fulfill.
So I felt myself left with the option to take care of work when I should have been relaxing so that I could come home and relax with Andy(my preference by the way) or relax in Savannah and rush through all of my work when I got home, ignoring Andy in the process.
What happened was a mix of the two. I got a little work done, and came home to spend 12 hours in the office yesterday not seeing Andy at all. I spent some good quiet time with God as I got to watch the sunrise from the beach of Tybee Island, GA. Today, after the 7 mile run this morning, Andy and I am spending some much needed time together which I am looking forward to, but there is still work to be done--housework, church work, etc.
It never ends, so where's the balance?
I'm trying to learn and am praying through it all. Jesus was able to balance as he still got up early and took time to pray. During the day people were around him all day with their needs. While I'm not Jesus I can really relate to the demands that were on him all day.
He wasn't married and the scriptures don't really record him taking time to "play" with his friends. His friends were his disciples. Thankfully we don't have any children yet, but that adds another dynamic.
LORD--can you help me balance all of this?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
God's promises are true
In devotions I've been reading Zechariah and there are some promises recorded there about the Messiah. I find it very interesting and encouraging.
Zechariah reference:
3:8 pictures Messiah as servant (Mark 10:45)
6:13 pictures Messiah as priest (Hebrews 6:20-7:1)
6:13; 9:9-10 pictures Messiah as king (Matthew 21:4-5)
11:12-13 pictures Messiah as betrayed one (Matthew 27:9)
12:10 pictures Messiah as pierced one (John 19:37)
13:1 pictures Messiah as fountain (Revelation 1:5)
13:7 pictures Messiah as shepherd (John 10:11)
13:7-9 pictures Messiah as God (John 1:1)
14:5,9 pictures Messiah as Lord over all (Revelation 11:15)
Thank you, LORD for fulfilling the promises of your word!
Zechariah reference:
3:8 pictures Messiah as servant (Mark 10:45)
6:13 pictures Messiah as priest (Hebrews 6:20-7:1)
6:13; 9:9-10 pictures Messiah as king (Matthew 21:4-5)
11:12-13 pictures Messiah as betrayed one (Matthew 27:9)
12:10 pictures Messiah as pierced one (John 19:37)
13:1 pictures Messiah as fountain (Revelation 1:5)
13:7 pictures Messiah as shepherd (John 10:11)
13:7-9 pictures Messiah as God (John 1:1)
14:5,9 pictures Messiah as Lord over all (Revelation 11:15)
Thank you, LORD for fulfilling the promises of your word!
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