Got this from a Facebook note I was tagged in. TOO FUN!
Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to people you like and include me (presuming I'm someone you like). You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "my life according to (band name)"
Pick your Artist
Jason Mraz
Are you a male or female?
Boy’s gone
Describe yourself.
Geek in the Pink
How do you feel?
Better
Describe where you currently live?
Who needs shelter?
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
Falling all over the world.
Your favorite form of transportation:
Plane
Your best friend:
Mr Curiosity
You and your best friend are:
You and I both
What's the weather like?
Not so usual
Favorite time of day:
Tonight, not again.
If your life was a TV show, what would it be called?
The beauty in the ugly
What is life to you?
A Beautiful Mess
Your relationship:
I’m yours
Your fear:
If it kills me
What is the best advice you have to give?
Life is wonderful
Thought for the Day:
I’ll do anything
How I would like to die:
Lucky
My soul's present condition:
Live High
My motto:
God moves through you
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
If I could change the world...
I love things that rock my world!
No, really...I love it when my entire core is shaken, my priorities are tested, and my world is reordered into action.
This happened most recently at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. Now, for those of you that either don't know Willow Creek or know its reputation as a mega-church from a distance allow me to clarify something...this wasn't some churchy "Kumbaya" thing. This wasn't a sit around and judge others kind of thing. This summit had "Christians" and "Non-Christians" presenting. It had top leaders and analysts present. We heard a former Prime Minister (Tony Blair), a Rock Legend (Bono), a political analyst and former white house advisor (David Gergen)...all household names pretty much across the world. There were pastors from multiple backgrounds, denominations, and locations. There were those expressing the need for life-saving Aid as well as Trade that empowers people to help themselves and their communities. Young entreprenuers shared their approach to leading into this new tomorrow.
There were people hurt by "Christians" who, in spite of that, rose to their calling and not only forgave, but became a change in the world.
There was inspiration, innovation, and intentionality like I haven't seen. And Christian, non-Christian, spiritual, religious or otherwise...only good can come from that!
My world was rocked. But I am constantly reminded by the little voice in my head, the skeptics in the world, and the cliches all over posters that "someone" can't do everything...BUT EVERYONE CAN DO SOMETHING.
So... here are my small steps to make my impact on my world and the world.
The Planet: 1. Reduce energy in simple ways. 2. Ruthlessly recycle and consider my decisions in regards to waste.
Poverty, Aids, and other Global Issues: 1. Increase my awareness by readings and discussions. 2. Give what I can financially by sacrificing purchases or making smarter ones.
My community: 1. Stop "running" and be present. 2. Encourage "communal" living. (Open door policy).
My children: 1. Continue to provide for them in all ways and in doing so remember a child whose need is not being met. 2. Give gratitude for my circumstances and pray for those in need like never before.
My husband: 1. Remind him of the incredible man and leader he is. 2. Think of him as more important than myself.
My household: 1. Care for my home as the blessing it is. 2. Eliminate clutter and simplify in turn allowing it to run smoother.
My home church: 1. Continue to support it with my time, treasures and talents. 2. Open my home and life up to others who are longing for a church community.
My body: 1. Be aware and concerned that what I am consuming is nutritionally well. 2. Be a part of a holistic approach to fitness. (yoga, pilates...)
My mind: 1. Read 30 minutes a day. 2. Communicate what I've learned.
My relationship with God: 1. Read the word daily, slowly and quietly soaking it in. 2. Practice adoration.
All of the above: Live out the Gospel.
Long list? Maybe.
Easy steps? We'll see.
Failure? Definitely.
Grace? Thankfully.
Change? Amazingly.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Leadership...
From an early age I had an inkling that I had some, even if only a few, leadership skills. I came to this realization when I could get other kids to goof off in my girl scout troop (that my mother led. At least I didn't do it in school.) Those "skills" eventually led to actual leadership opportunities in music and other activities I was involved in. Finally, my skills were used for good, not evil.
Today, I've confirmed this finding by staying involved in the organization-end of activities, taking strength-finder and gift assessments, and most recently, experiencing the excitement that occurs within me when I attend leadership conferences/summits/events.
I am blessed and humbled to be a part of our team from South Park Church that is experiencing the Willow Creek Community Church Leadership Summit. I was able, today, to connect with God and others while listening to passionate, experienced speakers talk about a wide range of leadership issues.
We all need and use leadership skills on some level. Whether it is in your profession, your home, or your hobbies, a good leader inspires, motivates, equips, and supports others to be the best they can be. Gone are the days of the dictator that communicates a vision and barks orders. I am thrilled to be a part of this leadership movement. Not only do I feel empowered and challenged to give, do, and grow more, but I pray that I instill that in those I come in contact with as well.
The summit began with Bill Hybels, founder and senior pastor at Willow Creek speaking on Leading in a New Reality. Now, I have to be honest here. I had a guard up about what I would hear and experience from Pastor Hybels and Willow Creek. Not because I heard anything bad in particular. More because I have never gone to WCCC or heard Hybels and I was expecting that "let down" you get when someone builds something up so great that it can't possibly meet your expectations. I wasn't let down--and I let my guard down pretty quickly! Hybels was genuine, moving, honest, and inspiring. What was cool was to hear much of what he said and know that our current leadership has had to, in recent days, address many of the "hard issues" and are coming out on the other side in one piece and energized! He talked about four lessons he learned in the past 8 months since the economic downturn. Philosophy (in regards to the church), Finances in this reality, Staffing in this reality, and Personally-referring to replenishment emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Two things stuck out to me most from what Hybels said. The first being a lesser known bible verse from the book of Habakkuk (3:2--NLT)
2 I have heard all about you, Lord.
I am filled with awe by your amazing works.
In this time of our deep need,
help us again as you did in years gone by.
God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and He can help us in this time. I have been thinking on a verse this past week from 1 John 2:16-17:
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
God will use this time in amazing ways and if we as individuals are open to it, He will use us to lead others.
The other thing Hybels said is this: Teach, Love, Fill, and Challenge others. I add, if you do this, God will equip them (and you for that matter) for His good works.
I was riveted by Timothy Keller from Reedemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. He spoke on spiritual deadness and the epidemic proportions we can find this in today's churches. He disected the Parable of the Prodigal Son in an eye-opening way. In addition, EVERYTHING he said always came back to Jesus and the Gospel. And he emphasized that to reach the generations of today, in this culture, bringing it back to the Gospel is what needs to happen. People in America today are educated and sharp. They have information at their fingertips with the internet, phones, etc. There are many good people out there doing good things...the teachings of the church have to go beyond the moral and back to the Gospel. We need to reach a new level of repentence. Not that of our "bad works" but that of our "good works" for wrong reasons. I could go on in more detail about this...it was, for me, the most powerful part of the day.
The day ended on a passionate note from an inspiring and energetic pastor from Detroit, Harvey Carey. His encouragement to stop huddling and start doing was moving and Hybels prayed that those words would not just be motivating, but would become activity in our communities.
Today I was reminded of how much I feed off of hearing others in their experiences and insights. It causes my heart to beat faster and my mind to think deeper. It throws my priorities out like a deck of cards thrown on the floor and I am able to pick them up and re-order them to begin a new hand.
I look forward to a restful night, an energizing morning, and another amazing day tomorrow!
Today, I've confirmed this finding by staying involved in the organization-end of activities, taking strength-finder and gift assessments, and most recently, experiencing the excitement that occurs within me when I attend leadership conferences/summits/events.
I am blessed and humbled to be a part of our team from South Park Church that is experiencing the Willow Creek Community Church Leadership Summit. I was able, today, to connect with God and others while listening to passionate, experienced speakers talk about a wide range of leadership issues.
We all need and use leadership skills on some level. Whether it is in your profession, your home, or your hobbies, a good leader inspires, motivates, equips, and supports others to be the best they can be. Gone are the days of the dictator that communicates a vision and barks orders. I am thrilled to be a part of this leadership movement. Not only do I feel empowered and challenged to give, do, and grow more, but I pray that I instill that in those I come in contact with as well.
The summit began with Bill Hybels, founder and senior pastor at Willow Creek speaking on Leading in a New Reality. Now, I have to be honest here. I had a guard up about what I would hear and experience from Pastor Hybels and Willow Creek. Not because I heard anything bad in particular. More because I have never gone to WCCC or heard Hybels and I was expecting that "let down" you get when someone builds something up so great that it can't possibly meet your expectations. I wasn't let down--and I let my guard down pretty quickly! Hybels was genuine, moving, honest, and inspiring. What was cool was to hear much of what he said and know that our current leadership has had to, in recent days, address many of the "hard issues" and are coming out on the other side in one piece and energized! He talked about four lessons he learned in the past 8 months since the economic downturn. Philosophy (in regards to the church), Finances in this reality, Staffing in this reality, and Personally-referring to replenishment emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Two things stuck out to me most from what Hybels said. The first being a lesser known bible verse from the book of Habakkuk (3:2--NLT)
2 I have heard all about you, Lord.
I am filled with awe by your amazing works.
In this time of our deep need,
help us again as you did in years gone by.
God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and He can help us in this time. I have been thinking on a verse this past week from 1 John 2:16-17:
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
God will use this time in amazing ways and if we as individuals are open to it, He will use us to lead others.
The other thing Hybels said is this: Teach, Love, Fill, and Challenge others. I add, if you do this, God will equip them (and you for that matter) for His good works.
I was riveted by Timothy Keller from Reedemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. He spoke on spiritual deadness and the epidemic proportions we can find this in today's churches. He disected the Parable of the Prodigal Son in an eye-opening way. In addition, EVERYTHING he said always came back to Jesus and the Gospel. And he emphasized that to reach the generations of today, in this culture, bringing it back to the Gospel is what needs to happen. People in America today are educated and sharp. They have information at their fingertips with the internet, phones, etc. There are many good people out there doing good things...the teachings of the church have to go beyond the moral and back to the Gospel. We need to reach a new level of repentence. Not that of our "bad works" but that of our "good works" for wrong reasons. I could go on in more detail about this...it was, for me, the most powerful part of the day.
The day ended on a passionate note from an inspiring and energetic pastor from Detroit, Harvey Carey. His encouragement to stop huddling and start doing was moving and Hybels prayed that those words would not just be motivating, but would become activity in our communities.
Today I was reminded of how much I feed off of hearing others in their experiences and insights. It causes my heart to beat faster and my mind to think deeper. It throws my priorities out like a deck of cards thrown on the floor and I am able to pick them up and re-order them to begin a new hand.
I look forward to a restful night, an energizing morning, and another amazing day tomorrow!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)