Awareness versus tunnel vision.

This past Sunday the director of our local pregnancy resource center and her husband addressed a group of people that were high school age through retirement.  Statements and questions brought me back to the realization that I gravitate toward tunnel vision.  Rather than being a part of the world around me I find myself trying to create my own little space that is protected from outside influences and interuptions.  I seek comfort and want to surround myself with my preferences.  I set my sight on the road to gain that which makes me feel good or gives me peace or rewards me with trophys of some kind.

What a contrast to the challenge laid before us by Christ.  He was aware of those around him.  He engaged them at every turn.  He challenged them to follow God, to lay down their lives for their fellow man.  If we are to benefit mankind; if we are to engage our culture; if we are to make a difference then we must fight off the urge to hibernate in our own little world and see the need that is present all around us:  young ladies who need loving counsel, babies who need care, fathers who need teaching and direction, elderly who need a friend or a listening ear, hungry people who need help understanding what they really hunger for. 

O Lord, help me set my eyes of Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith.  Lift my head and help me to focus on those who are surrounding me so that I might share the love you so amply supply.  Restore me to an awareness of my culture and rescue me from tunnel vision.

While we're here.....

"Jesus's resurrection is the beginning of God's new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord's Prayer is about." N.T. Wright

"You're the only Jesus, some will ever see....."  Christian Song

"Make me a blessing, make me a blessing, out of my life, may Jesus shine...."  Hymn

Show up

Its nite time. The little boy is in bed and is afraid. 
As the fear increases with each shadow he sees he yells out to his dad,
"Daddy, I'm scared!"  His father replies, "don't worry son,
Jesus is with you."  The boy replies, "Yeah, I know, but I need someone
with skin on!"

We often hear of a friend or neighbor that is facing a difficult time
in their life.  Perhaps it is health, finances, emotional struggles,
divorce or the many others things that cause us grief.
Our response might be, "well, I'd call....go over there.....but I don't know
what to say."

The answer is show up.  That is the language of caring. 

You might have to "show up" through a phone call, a text message,
an e-mail, a letter or card.  If you can, go in person.  Be honest with them....
"I don't know what I can do or what to say except, "I care" and God cares
and we want you to know you are loved."

Everyday is an opportunity to love and be loved.  "What the world needs now
is love sweet love, thats the only thing that there's just too little of....."

Rain, rain, go away . . . .

It rained throughout the night and is raining as I write this morning.  Sometimes the weather mirror's what's going on in our lives. Jesus said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.   Comforting words in a challenging world.  Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.  I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will guide your paths.  O Lord, help we accept these truths as soothing ointment to a struggling soul.  Help me see the sunshine in my relationship with You.  I am grateful to You for the "hugs" you give me in Your Word.  Thanks KM for reminding me to
"stay in the Word." 

What a Blessing!

Engage your moments..... I got to share with Adult Sunday School Classes at First Christian Church yesterday.  What an awesome group of people who are serving the Lord.  The Holy Spirit was present and active as God moved among us.  Touch a life for Christ.  Each moment is a gift.  Invest the moments in eternity.  Thanks everyone for your attentive participation.  You're the best!

I Value Life

Shall we broaden our view of the value of life to include those who are facing their last
days, weeks, months, on earth due to age or illness?  Of course we should. 

Lately I have been visiting with a friend who is on that slippery slide.  His body is
nearly wasted away and yet I find much to value about him.  Jesus gave his life
for him.  God said he is valuable.  The man has been a friend when I was in great
need of a friend.  Now I want him to know how much God loves him.  He has
forgotten (maybe never really understood).   He cannot offer me money.
He cannot offer me physical help.  He is not able to work.  But he was made
in God's image.  He only posseses need.  Yet he is valuable.

Engage in the moment.   Look someone in the eye and remind yourself.  They are
a blessing from God.  He put them in your path today.  He loves them through
you.  Value life.

Engage the Moments

Formulating a Sunday School Class Session for Adults.  As a Christian I want to slow down and realize that every encounter, every moment is a gift from God to be cherised as I travel the road ahead.

I want to be concious of the fact that the Holy Spirit in me is teaching me to follow the Savior I follow.

There are no accidental moments.  Each one is pregnant with possiblity.  God is gifting us with the opportunity to teach and touch those around us if we have eyes that see, ears that hear, hearts that are sensitive and minds that are engaged.

Any thoughts to share?