What if we knew in advance we wouldn't succeed the first time, but we tried anyway? Because we know that some of the greatest successes came out of the greatest failures?
What if we believed that success was something worth working toward? That it was a series of experiments.
What if we took those experiments and used them to discover what worked and why? And we put our minds to discover how to overcome or adjust the things that did not work.
What if we learned to apply these experiments to our goals? And instead of trying once and giving up because we "failed", we tried again applying the knowledge we had gained from the first time.
What if we learned to seize the moment with wisdom, not with reckless abandon? Understanding that some things once broken can not be made new, but also realizing that great things often come from what has not been tried before.
What if we applied these things to our faith? Knowing that we are not infallible, but trusting that if we will seek the truth we will find it. Believing that if we draw near to the Lord, He will draw near to us, and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. Realizing that what we can see is what is in front of us, but He understands the big picture.
What if we expected of ourselves what we expect of beginning athletes? That to excel they must practice. That they will miss more than they make in the beginning, but that the time is well spent.
What if we looked at a quality finished product and realize that it did not just materialize out of thin air? It was thought up, designed, adjusted, and tested. Even after it is made available for use, someone is still imagining and inventing ways to make it better for future production.
What if when we faced struggles, we used them to make us better? We didn't see it as some thing that would break us. We used the knowledge from our past that would help us, overcame the thoughts that would immobilize us and had the faith to move mountains.
What if we knew in advance we wouldn't succeed the first time, so we tried anyway?
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Bible Study
It's hard to turn on the news without cringing about something, but I keep thinking that things could turn around if we as individuals would take the time to get into the Word and learn to live it out. I keep trying to figure out how to get people interested in the Scripture, but I am realizing that so often all I do is think and I forget to do. So this is my simple attempt at that idea.
My goal is to get people interested in reading/studying the Bible and even to encourage those who already are to find ways to help get others interested as well.
The thoughts above are mostly from the book of Ephesians: God's eternal purpose, the blessings and promises in Christ and a verse about how to get into Christ. I believe it is worth the study. My hope is that this will spur you onto read more and study more and not simply to take my word on it.
(If you click on the pictures it will enlarge them.)
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Cowgirl Pride
I went up to the gym today to watch my basketball girls practice. I wasn't exactly sure what I would find. When I was in high school playing basketball one of the worst things was for the coach to walk out of the gym, because that is when the arguing and drama began. I guess you could say we did not always play nice with the other kids. So when the girls asked if they could practice after school, this was my first thought.
We talked a little about these pitfalls, and said they could. I walked into the gym after they had been practicing for a while, and heard things like, "Great job!" "You're doing better." "That looks good." Then I watched the younger girls with less experience as they gained confidence and performed even better. They were encouraging each other, but may have encouraged me even more.
I love these girls. You can tell them something once and they are going to do their best to get it done. They show initiative at just about every turn. They are a blessing to me in so many ways.
I was telling Dad about them today, and his response was, "It kind of gives you hope for America doesn't it?" The truth is that it actually does. I think these girls have within them the God-given ability to do something extraordinary in their lives, to become women of integrity and make the world they live in a better place. That may seem like a lot to say for coming in and watching the last ten minutes of a practice, but as I watched them pray, and then break out with "Cowgirl Pride!", I do see hope for our country.
There are young people out there willing to work hard on the court, in the classroom, and on their character. I see it daily with this group of girls, and I saw it with last year's group of girls. It excites me to see what they will be able to accomplish in their lives.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."
Proverbs 16:3 [NIV]
We talked a little about these pitfalls, and said they could. I walked into the gym after they had been practicing for a while, and heard things like, "Great job!" "You're doing better." "That looks good." Then I watched the younger girls with less experience as they gained confidence and performed even better. They were encouraging each other, but may have encouraged me even more.
I love these girls. You can tell them something once and they are going to do their best to get it done. They show initiative at just about every turn. They are a blessing to me in so many ways.
I was telling Dad about them today, and his response was, "It kind of gives you hope for America doesn't it?" The truth is that it actually does. I think these girls have within them the God-given ability to do something extraordinary in their lives, to become women of integrity and make the world they live in a better place. That may seem like a lot to say for coming in and watching the last ten minutes of a practice, but as I watched them pray, and then break out with "Cowgirl Pride!", I do see hope for our country.
There are young people out there willing to work hard on the court, in the classroom, and on their character. I see it daily with this group of girls, and I saw it with last year's group of girls. It excites me to see what they will be able to accomplish in their lives.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."
Proverbs 16:3 [NIV]
Monday, October 27, 2014
One Thing
I think if you could only ask God for one thing in your prayers the one that would be most effective would be that you and others would fall in love with Him and His Word. I believe that is one of the most life-changing prayers, both for you and for others.
I've always been drawn to the idea of changing the world. Not so much because I believe that I can, but I love the idea of doing something bigger with my life than just the everyday routine. The incredible part of prayer is that it allows us the opportunity to approach the Creator, the One Who is able to affect change. What a great gift!
I have often thought how hard it would be to have the ear of a high official. To not only have them listen to your requests and ideas, but also to be willing and able to act upon them. We have something much greater than a high official's ear. We are able to go to the One who created us, Who calls the stars by name, and Who notices when even a sparrow falls. He is in the big picture, and at the same time in all of the details, and He allows us to come to Him in prayer, seek His wisdom, and give Him glory.
The thing about praying that we and others will fall in love with Him is that it encompasses so much. It is the first and greatest command, and if we learn to live it out the others will surely follow. Love is a multitude of things. It is obedience. (John 14:15) It is patient, and kind, It doesn't envy, or boast. It is not proud or self-seeking. It does not take offense. It is not easily angered. It doesn't delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Love never fails. (See 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
It is easy to look around and see all the evil in this world and get discouraged, but I believe if we would make this a daily prayer we could see that the world at least to an extent can be changed, because we serve a mighty God who is able to do great works. Often He is simply waiting for us to ask.
I've always been drawn to the idea of changing the world. Not so much because I believe that I can, but I love the idea of doing something bigger with my life than just the everyday routine. The incredible part of prayer is that it allows us the opportunity to approach the Creator, the One Who is able to affect change. What a great gift!
I have often thought how hard it would be to have the ear of a high official. To not only have them listen to your requests and ideas, but also to be willing and able to act upon them. We have something much greater than a high official's ear. We are able to go to the One who created us, Who calls the stars by name, and Who notices when even a sparrow falls. He is in the big picture, and at the same time in all of the details, and He allows us to come to Him in prayer, seek His wisdom, and give Him glory.
The thing about praying that we and others will fall in love with Him is that it encompasses so much. It is the first and greatest command, and if we learn to live it out the others will surely follow. Love is a multitude of things. It is obedience. (John 14:15) It is patient, and kind, It doesn't envy, or boast. It is not proud or self-seeking. It does not take offense. It is not easily angered. It doesn't delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Love never fails. (See 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
It is easy to look around and see all the evil in this world and get discouraged, but I believe if we would make this a daily prayer we could see that the world at least to an extent can be changed, because we serve a mighty God who is able to do great works. Often He is simply waiting for us to ask.
Monday, February 4, 2013
people of impact
"Are you a daily Bible reader? It will change your life." ~Jack Carter.
People of impact. I believe we all have them in our lives. They come in all forms. Even books and characters in movies have the ability to be these people of impact. The impact can be on different levels some for a moment, others for a lifetime, and still others for an eternity. Parents I believe have the opportunity for the greatest level of impact on their children on each of those levels, either by their presence or their absence, so those who impact the parents are of vital importance.
I guess it stands to reason using that logic that my grandparents had a major effect on my parents, but if I could pick a person after them that made the greatest impact on their spiritual lives, and in turn mine also, it would be Jack Carter. The reasons are simple, but go so deep. Jack had a love for God, for His Word and for people. In his time with my parents, and with many others, he encouraged them to become daily Bible readers.
I think it was my dad who picked up on this first, and really made an effort to become a daily Bible reader. In turn my mom did also and they encouraged my brother and sister and me to do the same. And just as Jack said, it changed our lives. I'm sure he wasn't the first to say it, and know he won't be the last, but his encouragement as well as his example in that area and in so many others has helped to change our lives.
It's the simple things done over and over that accumulate and make a life and in Jack's case a life lived well that helped countless people. So don't give up on the seemingly little things that don't always seem to make a difference. So often people of impact are made in those little moments and we don't always know ahead of time which moments those will be, but they are sure to come if we will strive in the little moments and the big to be the servant for God, He put us here to be.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." ~Galatians 6:9
People of impact. I believe we all have them in our lives. They come in all forms. Even books and characters in movies have the ability to be these people of impact. The impact can be on different levels some for a moment, others for a lifetime, and still others for an eternity. Parents I believe have the opportunity for the greatest level of impact on their children on each of those levels, either by their presence or their absence, so those who impact the parents are of vital importance.
I guess it stands to reason using that logic that my grandparents had a major effect on my parents, but if I could pick a person after them that made the greatest impact on their spiritual lives, and in turn mine also, it would be Jack Carter. The reasons are simple, but go so deep. Jack had a love for God, for His Word and for people. In his time with my parents, and with many others, he encouraged them to become daily Bible readers.
I think it was my dad who picked up on this first, and really made an effort to become a daily Bible reader. In turn my mom did also and they encouraged my brother and sister and me to do the same. And just as Jack said, it changed our lives. I'm sure he wasn't the first to say it, and know he won't be the last, but his encouragement as well as his example in that area and in so many others has helped to change our lives.
It's the simple things done over and over that accumulate and make a life and in Jack's case a life lived well that helped countless people. So don't give up on the seemingly little things that don't always seem to make a difference. So often people of impact are made in those little moments and we don't always know ahead of time which moments those will be, but they are sure to come if we will strive in the little moments and the big to be the servant for God, He put us here to be.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." ~Galatians 6:9
Monday, November 5, 2012
a book of days
For You created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.
I love these verses in Psalm 139. The love of God for each of us shines so clearly in the words of the text, and with just a few short verses meaning for each person's life is found in them.
I kept thinking about the days written in the book. I can just picture a book filled with life and all the things that make up that life, birthdays, graduation, a wedding, and even the thousands of ordinary days that create a lifetime. Maybe for some a cure for cancer, or the next president of the United States, or someone's future spouse, or a little league coach are written on those pages. The picture it paints is just beautiful. Not because every day is flawless, but because every day is like a brushstroke in a painting. By itself it might not seem to matter, but put them all together and you can find yourself with a masterpiece.
Picture this book once again with all the days ordained beforehand by the Creator. Now start to erase it, every little mark back to the time of the womb. Let it stop there. Put this image in your mind, because it's important.
This is what happens when a baby's life is taken from them, when a mom or a dad decide this baby just wasn't in their plans, there isn't enough money to take care of them, they might be a burden, they might be "defective", they just don't want them. They choose to pay someone to stop a heartbeat, and then their troubles are over.
But the world loses out on something great. They lose out on an individual as unique as a snowflake. Nobody else can replace what they would have done with their life had they had the chance, and while its true most would not become the president of the United States or discover a cure for cancer and some would commit crimes or simply not live up to their God given potential, do they not deserve the chance each of us has been given? A chance to do something great with their life, or is their life just a woman's right to choose and their only hope is that their mother will just to let them live and not die?
It has to be more than that. It is more than that. "I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Monday, October 8, 2012
moments of impact
I watched a youtube video today on the butterfly effect by Andy Andrews. It was really interesting about the way one person can make such an impact literally on generations sometimes in a single moment. I put the link (the first of 3 each under 10 min) below for those interested in watching it.
In life we seem to have those moments of impact. Maybe not to quite the extreme of the billions of people that Andy talks about in one of the videos, but I think we've all had them. I've had several of those moments where I'm not exactly sure why they are significant in the moment but I believe that they are. Maybe it has something to do with this "butterfly effect". I once had a thought about fireworks and how our lives are often like them. Sometimes people know who set them off, other times people just seem them from a distance having no idea who set them off, but even if just for a moment get a glimpse of beauty and are filled with joy.
I can think of 3 instances off the top of my head that I have felt that. One was in a gym with someone asking me some questions about my faith that I had no idea how to answer, but I went home that night and starting studying looking for the answers to those questions. That day I saw this incredible potential in this person who asked me the questions that I couldn't explain, and still can't, but I am confident that it is there. That day too, I made a decision to do something that scared me to death but did it anyway because I believed it was what I needed to do. I wrote down what I learned and dropped it in his pickup, just hoping he wouldn't find it til I was gone. haha I wasn't so brave back in those days, but I've wondered since, if I had let that fear win out would I have continued that pattern over the years?
Another was in a classroom with someone asking if I had ever read the Bible all the way through. I don't remember if I had or not, but I made a decision then to do so either for the first time or once again. It spurred me on to continuing to do what I thought was important. And once again I saw potential in someone, that just maybe they were hungering for something more, something important, something that lasts.
The last was after a big rainstorm sitting in the stands at a football game. Someone was walking past and we made eye contact and then sat in the stands behind me and talked to my friend, they were former classmates. We started talking some here and there after that... you know those easy conversations not the forced ones, and from that I was able to move on from something that wasn't meant to be, but that I had clung to for almost two years. And that potential and hope for that person's future to be blessed and to find those good things came once again.
Since these moments I have started praying for each one off and on through the years, I don't always understand it or even see it, but I believe that God works in our lives in amazing ways. Maybe I didn't have the same impact on them that they had on me, but I am certain that God can do incredible things when we ask Him. And maybe that is what my part is meant to be in their lives. Maybe that is why those moments impacted me the way that they did, because maybe they are meant to do incredible things in their lives, and my role is to call upon the One who can bring out that potential and mold and shape their lives into something amazing.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8: 28 (ESV)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnrz9HGjj_U&feature=related
In life we seem to have those moments of impact. Maybe not to quite the extreme of the billions of people that Andy talks about in one of the videos, but I think we've all had them. I've had several of those moments where I'm not exactly sure why they are significant in the moment but I believe that they are. Maybe it has something to do with this "butterfly effect". I once had a thought about fireworks and how our lives are often like them. Sometimes people know who set them off, other times people just seem them from a distance having no idea who set them off, but even if just for a moment get a glimpse of beauty and are filled with joy.
I can think of 3 instances off the top of my head that I have felt that. One was in a gym with someone asking me some questions about my faith that I had no idea how to answer, but I went home that night and starting studying looking for the answers to those questions. That day I saw this incredible potential in this person who asked me the questions that I couldn't explain, and still can't, but I am confident that it is there. That day too, I made a decision to do something that scared me to death but did it anyway because I believed it was what I needed to do. I wrote down what I learned and dropped it in his pickup, just hoping he wouldn't find it til I was gone. haha I wasn't so brave back in those days, but I've wondered since, if I had let that fear win out would I have continued that pattern over the years?
Another was in a classroom with someone asking if I had ever read the Bible all the way through. I don't remember if I had or not, but I made a decision then to do so either for the first time or once again. It spurred me on to continuing to do what I thought was important. And once again I saw potential in someone, that just maybe they were hungering for something more, something important, something that lasts.
The last was after a big rainstorm sitting in the stands at a football game. Someone was walking past and we made eye contact and then sat in the stands behind me and talked to my friend, they were former classmates. We started talking some here and there after that... you know those easy conversations not the forced ones, and from that I was able to move on from something that wasn't meant to be, but that I had clung to for almost two years. And that potential and hope for that person's future to be blessed and to find those good things came once again.
Since these moments I have started praying for each one off and on through the years, I don't always understand it or even see it, but I believe that God works in our lives in amazing ways. Maybe I didn't have the same impact on them that they had on me, but I am certain that God can do incredible things when we ask Him. And maybe that is what my part is meant to be in their lives. Maybe that is why those moments impacted me the way that they did, because maybe they are meant to do incredible things in their lives, and my role is to call upon the One who can bring out that potential and mold and shape their lives into something amazing.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8: 28 (ESV)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnrz9HGjj_U&feature=related
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