(I had the privilege of giving the gospel message at my new church last Sunday and wanted to share it here.)
What is God asking of you and of me? This is a question which I have toiled with most of my adult life. In fact, it has been the pursuit of responding to this very question which has brought me here to Idaho. That and the beautiful blond I met on the Internet.
It was an incredibly beautiful early fall morning in the Midwest, now nearly ten years ago. Like most mornings I was on the road early to make my first sales call by 9:00am. My stomach had been churning for weeks, a feeling of restlessness filled my body. Suddenly I began to cry. Just a few tears at first and then the sobbing began. I was crying so hard I had to pull off to the side of the interstate. With cars and trucks roaring past me, I sat there and literally broke down in uncontrollable tears.
God was working on me again. I was so confused, frustrated and angry. What was He trying to tell me? What did he want me to do? Why was I having such a difficult time understanding His plan for me? I began screaming, "God, what is it you want me to do?"
By most standards my life was good. I was married to the love of my life. We started dating in high school and had been married more than twenty years. I had two terrific kids. We were living in our dream house. My job was fulfilling and we had more than a comfortable lifestyle. I was actively involved in my church and a number of civic organizations. Life was good. So, why was I so miserable?
From a very young age I had felt God had a special calling for my life. I had survived spinal meningitis in infancy with no real complications. Despite what the doctors told my folks about the possibility of leading a normal life without disability if I were even to survive. I not only survived but also thrived.
The feeling of God calling me to do 'special work' was always with me. The ministry had intrigued me. But I was never sure if it was what God wanted me to do. I was not well equipped to study, never being a great student and I was an awful test taker. The idea of four years of college and another four in seminary just wasn't very appealing. So, just what was God's plan for me? What was he calling me to do?
Was I denying His call? That question certainly got me off the road on an early fall morning. It got me screaming at God for answers, to more clearly show me his plan, to give me a clear direction. Why was He torturing me with all of this? Why couldn't I be happy with where I was with my life? Then I began to ask why I wasn't more faithful and attentive to God. Why was I not answering the call?
In the ten years since that morning my life has changed dramatically. Many of those questions which I struggled have been answered. There are still many for which I am waiting the answer.
Like the seventy disciples in our gospel I have been called by God to witness my faith to those I encounter. And I am not alone—you too are called to Evangelism, to witness your faith. As Lutherans we can find such a thought disturbing and frightening. Many of us were raised as ‘head down’ believers. We are proud of our faith—just don’t ask us to share it with a stranger. We just aren’t comfortable talking about the “F” word, or to evangelize with others.
In the gospel Jesus called those seventy to go out and be disciples. In doing so he was calling them to minister through their actions as well as their words. The actions can be as simple as extending a smile to a stranger.
There is a story of a boy and his grandfather walking along the beach. The beach was covered with starfish that had been washed ashore. Every so often the grandfather would stop, pick up one of the starfish and toss it back into the ocean. After awhile the little boy said to his grandfather, “There are thousands of starfish on the beach. Throwing a few back into the ocean can’t possibly make a difference.” As the grandfather tossed another starfish into the ocean, he said, “It will make a difference to that one.”
I remember once traveling through Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. The flight I was on arrived late and people on the plane were scrambling to make their connecting flights, including me. I had five minutes to make it from one terminal to the next to make my connection. As I tried to make my way through the crowds, I saw a young girl in front of me who was weighed down with luggage and was just about in tears. I walked up to her and asked her if I could help with her luggage. I took the bags off her shoulder and she told me which gate she was going to. It was right next to mine.
We moved through the crowds quickly and got to her gate just as they were giving the last boarding call. She thanked me and got on the plane. I turned and looked over at my gate. My flight was delayed by 30 minutes. I had plenty of time. I couldn’t help everyone in the airport with their luggage that night, but to the one I did help, it made a difference.
I think the second thing that immobilizes us with evangelism is the thought that in order to be a witness in God’s mission field we need to stand on a soap box on a Boise street corner passing out Bible tracks, or walk down Main Street with a sandwich board sign that says “Repent!” on the front and, “For the end is near!” on the back. Well that’s not always the case. Sidewalk evangelism does have its place, and there are some people who are cut out to do that type of evangelizing. (I don’t happen to be one of them.)
I think the most effective form of evangelism we can offer is the way in which we live our lives, and by the example we set as Christians. I also believe some of the best forms of evangelism come in very small ways with random acts of kindness, like throwing a starfish back into the ocean or helping a distressed girl carry her luggage. That, my friends is how we can make a difference in the world, one kind act at a time.
In the Gospel reading today, Jesus said to the seventy upon their return, “I saw Satan falling from Heaven like lightning.” Jesus was saying that the Seventy were participating in the defeat of evil in the world. We too can participate in the defeat of evil in our world like lightning when you cheerfully welcome the new person who comes to church. I see Satan fall like lightning when you forgive the one who has wronged you.
There will be those who won’t believe, won’t accept and won’t want to hear or see God’s word. As Jesus told those he appointed, “whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”
Jesus says to us, I see Satan fall like lightning from Heaven when your church serves meals to the homeless, or makes a quilt I see Satan fall like lightning from Heaven when you conduct a youth confirmation class and your youth join the church. I see Satan falling from Heaven when you plan a prayer vigil I see Satan fall like lightning when the church holds a family picnic and everyone invites a friend. I see Satan fall.
This past week we got a firsthand look at those called to serve in the form of three young day camp counselors. Much like the seventy, they came into our community to share the message of Jesus. They found acceptance among our members and our community. There were also those who offered hospitality in their homes and in providing meals much like those in our gospel who welcomed in the disciples.
The question becomes, how do we make Christ known every day? For some of us it may be speaking from the pulpit, for more of us it may be in sharing Jesus’ message through our works. For all of us, we are challenged to make Christ known through our everyday living.
My friends let us not be tricked into thinking that we can’t make a difference, because we can make a difference one small act at a time. May we get up from these pews today and go out into the world knowing that there is a great need out there. There is a world full of hurt and people are just looking for a ray of hope to get them through.
A challenge for the coming week—we have all heard the stories of random acts of kindness. In the coming week I would like to challenge you to consider a twist on this. I would like you to commit to random acts of faith. Each day make a conscious effort to do one random act of faith. It can be as simple as offering a pleasant smile to someone who has none of their own or picking up the phone and calling that one person who may need to hear God’s word the most. It might be providing service to a neighbor or hope to a stranger.
God has gifted each of us with special talents and abilities. He never intended for us to keep them to ourselves. What is the special talent or ability you have which can be used to glorify God in the coming week. Beyond that I would hope that putting yourself in the random acts of faith mindset would become a habit which would stretch beyond this week and it would become a lifetime habit.
The cool part in this is when we begin to individually make this a habit it becomes easier for us to collectively move to a mindset of service. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we became known as the church of random acts of faith? May we be like the seventy that make a difference in the life of just one.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Still more random thoughts
The quality of the harvest is dependent not only on the quality of the seeds which were sown but on the care of the crop during the growing season.
In striving for perfection don't forget to enjoy the "good enough" moments.
Hope is the gift of coming through the tough times. As we read in Romans 5:3-4 "And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance prroduces character, and character produces hope."
A message calling one person to action is far more valuable than words which are heard by thousands but cause no one to respond.
Our most valuable possessions are not those which can be kept in a safe but those which we keep in our heart.
Sometimes it takes more courage to run than to stand and fight.
Here is where you get when you were trying to get where you were going.
Though the past is unchangeable, the future and its decisions still remain ahead.*
There is no better feeling than doing what you are passionate about and having it affirmed by others.
The toughest nuts to crack often contain the softest souls.
Walking through the fire cleans the imperfections and helps us to forge a stonger sense of our life's purpose.
A hug can say more than any number of words.
When we allow the urgent to get in the way of the important it’s time to reassess our priorities.
If you are unhappy about paying taxes there are plenty of places you can go where you don't have that privilege.
Elisabeth Elledge Martin I don't mind paying taxes, I mind overpaying to compensate for the government's intrusion into my life. Where can I go to not pay taxes? All I can think of is prison, or the grave. Have to say, I'm really baffled by your post. Is it April Fools Day? Well, I guess it kind of is! :-)
Stacey Friedlein My point is there are places where we would not have the opportunites to earn a living in a career path of our choosing, where we would not be able to freely spend our money for the things we desire. While I don't always agree with how government spends my taxes I am thankful I have a voice on who my representatives are. I may not like them or the decisions they make but I do have the opportunity to vote them out. There are many in this world who would give anything to have such a chance.
Elisabeth Elledge Martin I'm glad you clarified, I was worried there! :-) Your post only mentioned the privilege of paying taxes. And now that I think about it, when we die, if we have much to leave behind, the gov't sticks it to us then, too. So, that leaves prison, and I'm not even sure about that. Then there is the 47% of Americans who don't pay income tax......
Christi Long Stacey we are blessed to live in the USA. Elizabeth, I agree... what about the 47% who don't pay taxes..And... I feel if our government really cared about what the people want, they would listen and TRY to make decisions that please the majority of the population (not just the parties). That means that our choices and voices are becoming more and more limited and we have less say so in where this tax $ goes.
Jody Taylor-Smith I'm with the ladies here... Imagine that. 47% of people pay ZERO (zip, nada, nilch) Federal Income Taxes. AND many of those folks actually get money BACK from the Government! Our personal tax rate is approaching 60+% and it's time to go. And the taxes just keep going up and up and up. Redistribution of wealth is wrong. Making rich people poor doesn't help anyone. It just creates a nanny state and a huge welfare situation.
Christi Long Look, I'm not cold hearted and I'm sad every time I pull up to an intersection and see someone asking for $, BUT I agree that redistribution of wealth is wrong. Where is the insentive to get off your behind and MAKE something of yourself when you don't have to? I agree helping people get back on their feet but to enable people for what often I agree helping people get back on their feet but to enable people for what often ... See Moretranslates into a lifetime of not having to go out and work hard to pay their bills is wrong. When times are hard, you buckle down and figure it out but some people, expect "someone" to help them out without wanting to work hard and it's the entitlement attitude that really burns me up.translates into a lifetime of not having to go out and work hard to pay their bills is wrong. When times are hard, you buckle down and figure it out but some people, expect "someone" to help them out without wanting to work hard and it's the entitlement attitude that really burns me up.
Elisabeth Elledge Martin I agree with you, Stacey, in that we are blessed to live in what is, for now, the greatest country on God... See More’s green earth! I’ve lived in Europe and Asia and America is truly the last/best hope for this world – economically and militarily, both of which are being radically destroyed. I believe the American people are waking up to exactly what they voted for in 2006 and 2008. We’re ready for CHANGE alright! The current party in power dreams of turning us into another Europe. When I lived in Germany my husband worked with two men whose wives had been unemployed for 18 years and still received compensation from the government each and every month. EIGHTEEN YEARS! Each had different reasons for losing their last jobs, one was fired, one had quit and neither story was due to an unusual circumstance. The citizens pay 50% to 60% in taxes all in the name of feel-good compassion – free health care and a lifetime of unemployment, which has been over 10% for over a decade. Businesses don’t even have the freedom to set their own hours of operation. No store is allowed to remain open later than 8pm on a weeknight, 4pm on Saturday, and it’s illegal to be open on Sunday – and this, all in the name of EQUALITY! Sadly, to today’s liberal equality does not mean bringing the lower class up closer to the upper class. They are punishing the upper class to bring it down to the level of the lower class and in the process the middle class suffers, as well. I say, “God Bless rich people!!! I’ve never gotten a job from a poor person.” I’m not preaching at you, Stacey, I guess I’m really just rambling! From reading your stuff, I think we’re on the same page regarding most issues. You just say it much more eloquently than I! ;-)
Robert Wilkinson I Dont mind paying taxes,what I mind is getting charged more for Less and Poorer Quality Services, While everybody gets a RaiseThats what I mind
Elisabeth Elledge Martin Robert, that's kind of a different topic, but I agree with you. It's the entitlement mentality. You would LOVE it here in Malaysia. They have a thing called "Best Effort". You pay for a higher quality of service and they will "try their best" to give you the standard you paid for. Guess what happens when they fail (and they usually fail)? HA HA HA, they TRIED! It's mind boggling!
Robert Wilkinson I know there are a lot of places with limited freedoms and/or poor. But Even in the U.S.A and Canada The middle class is falling away They have Both Realized what a real great idea free trade was I Never understood how it was a good idea,People told me things will be cheaper and I said Ya but how will you pay with no job I said it before and I say it If the Government was to go to the Bank as a private company they would never get financing But they have unlimited Financing in me and you,no matter how bad there business plan is
Elisabeth Elledge Martin In fact, if they were a private company doing business as they have been doing it Is it being the best for which we should strive or just being better than we are.
The bright light of a man's success may blind onlookers to all of the setbacks and failures which got him to this point. The true measure of which is learned on the journey and not in the final destination.
It is hard to move forward when you are constantly looking over your shoulder at past failures.
Curiosity is at the heart of learning.
Judging a book by its cover is like throwing away the center of an Oreo cookie. You missed the best part.
But it's not just learning things that are important. It's learning what to do with what you learn and learning why you learn things at all that matters.*
In striving for perfection don't forget to enjoy the "good enough" moments.
Hope is the gift of coming through the tough times. As we read in Romans 5:3-4 "And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance prroduces character, and character produces hope."
A message calling one person to action is far more valuable than words which are heard by thousands but cause no one to respond.
Our most valuable possessions are not those which can be kept in a safe but those which we keep in our heart.
Sometimes it takes more courage to run than to stand and fight.
Here is where you get when you were trying to get where you were going.
Though the past is unchangeable, the future and its decisions still remain ahead.*
There is no better feeling than doing what you are passionate about and having it affirmed by others.
The toughest nuts to crack often contain the softest souls.
Walking through the fire cleans the imperfections and helps us to forge a stonger sense of our life's purpose.
A hug can say more than any number of words.
When we allow the urgent to get in the way of the important it’s time to reassess our priorities.
If you are unhappy about paying taxes there are plenty of places you can go where you don't have that privilege.
Elisabeth Elledge Martin I don't mind paying taxes, I mind overpaying to compensate for the government's intrusion into my life. Where can I go to not pay taxes? All I can think of is prison, or the grave. Have to say, I'm really baffled by your post. Is it April Fools Day? Well, I guess it kind of is! :-)
Stacey Friedlein My point is there are places where we would not have the opportunites to earn a living in a career path of our choosing, where we would not be able to freely spend our money for the things we desire. While I don't always agree with how government spends my taxes I am thankful I have a voice on who my representatives are. I may not like them or the decisions they make but I do have the opportunity to vote them out. There are many in this world who would give anything to have such a chance.
Elisabeth Elledge Martin I'm glad you clarified, I was worried there! :-) Your post only mentioned the privilege of paying taxes. And now that I think about it, when we die, if we have much to leave behind, the gov't sticks it to us then, too. So, that leaves prison, and I'm not even sure about that. Then there is the 47% of Americans who don't pay income tax......
Christi Long Stacey we are blessed to live in the USA. Elizabeth, I agree... what about the 47% who don't pay taxes..And... I feel if our government really cared about what the people want, they would listen and TRY to make decisions that please the majority of the population (not just the parties). That means that our choices and voices are becoming more and more limited and we have less say so in where this tax $ goes.
Jody Taylor-Smith I'm with the ladies here... Imagine that. 47% of people pay ZERO (zip, nada, nilch) Federal Income Taxes. AND many of those folks actually get money BACK from the Government! Our personal tax rate is approaching 60+% and it's time to go. And the taxes just keep going up and up and up. Redistribution of wealth is wrong. Making rich people poor doesn't help anyone. It just creates a nanny state and a huge welfare situation.
Christi Long Look, I'm not cold hearted and I'm sad every time I pull up to an intersection and see someone asking for $, BUT I agree that redistribution of wealth is wrong. Where is the insentive to get off your behind and MAKE something of yourself when you don't have to? I agree helping people get back on their feet but to enable people for what often I agree helping people get back on their feet but to enable people for what often ... See Moretranslates into a lifetime of not having to go out and work hard to pay their bills is wrong. When times are hard, you buckle down and figure it out but some people, expect "someone" to help them out without wanting to work hard and it's the entitlement attitude that really burns me up.translates into a lifetime of not having to go out and work hard to pay their bills is wrong. When times are hard, you buckle down and figure it out but some people, expect "someone" to help them out without wanting to work hard and it's the entitlement attitude that really burns me up.
Elisabeth Elledge Martin I agree with you, Stacey, in that we are blessed to live in what is, for now, the greatest country on God... See More’s green earth! I’ve lived in Europe and Asia and America is truly the last/best hope for this world – economically and militarily, both of which are being radically destroyed. I believe the American people are waking up to exactly what they voted for in 2006 and 2008. We’re ready for CHANGE alright! The current party in power dreams of turning us into another Europe. When I lived in Germany my husband worked with two men whose wives had been unemployed for 18 years and still received compensation from the government each and every month. EIGHTEEN YEARS! Each had different reasons for losing their last jobs, one was fired, one had quit and neither story was due to an unusual circumstance. The citizens pay 50% to 60% in taxes all in the name of feel-good compassion – free health care and a lifetime of unemployment, which has been over 10% for over a decade. Businesses don’t even have the freedom to set their own hours of operation. No store is allowed to remain open later than 8pm on a weeknight, 4pm on Saturday, and it’s illegal to be open on Sunday – and this, all in the name of EQUALITY! Sadly, to today’s liberal equality does not mean bringing the lower class up closer to the upper class. They are punishing the upper class to bring it down to the level of the lower class and in the process the middle class suffers, as well. I say, “God Bless rich people!!! I’ve never gotten a job from a poor person.” I’m not preaching at you, Stacey, I guess I’m really just rambling! From reading your stuff, I think we’re on the same page regarding most issues. You just say it much more eloquently than I! ;-)
Robert Wilkinson I Dont mind paying taxes,what I mind is getting charged more for Less and Poorer Quality Services, While everybody gets a RaiseThats what I mind
Elisabeth Elledge Martin Robert, that's kind of a different topic, but I agree with you. It's the entitlement mentality. You would LOVE it here in Malaysia. They have a thing called "Best Effort". You pay for a higher quality of service and they will "try their best" to give you the standard you paid for. Guess what happens when they fail (and they usually fail)? HA HA HA, they TRIED! It's mind boggling!
Robert Wilkinson I know there are a lot of places with limited freedoms and/or poor. But Even in the U.S.A and Canada The middle class is falling away They have Both Realized what a real great idea free trade was I Never understood how it was a good idea,People told me things will be cheaper and I said Ya but how will you pay with no job I said it before and I say it If the Government was to go to the Bank as a private company they would never get financing But they have unlimited Financing in me and you,no matter how bad there business plan is
Elisabeth Elledge Martin In fact, if they were a private company doing business as they have been doing it Is it being the best for which we should strive or just being better than we are.
The bright light of a man's success may blind onlookers to all of the setbacks and failures which got him to this point. The true measure of which is learned on the journey and not in the final destination.
It is hard to move forward when you are constantly looking over your shoulder at past failures.
Curiosity is at the heart of learning.
Judging a book by its cover is like throwing away the center of an Oreo cookie. You missed the best part.
But it's not just learning things that are important. It's learning what to do with what you learn and learning why you learn things at all that matters.*
Monday, February 22, 2010
Random Daily Thoughts
Collaboration may mean you have to share the credit. But it beats losing any chance of success.
Be thankful for those who are willing to do the things you are not.
We should all embrace the pride felt as our country's flag is raised during the Olympic medal ceremony
Dan Baiotto BINGO, DITTOS, GO USA
Accepting change is good for the soul. Even when it is forced on you by the Facebook gods.
Peter Alcivar Who moved my cheese?
Jan Sexson Great little story!
Expect a miracle every day. Just don't expect it is going to be the one you are looking for.
A sunrise means you have a brand new chance to achieve your heart's desires.
When you aren't the best, your best will have to do.
Frederick Hill Great!
Andrew Harry Hale That's a good one
It is not about what you know but what you are willing to learn.
Fred Hinegardner You know this? And if you do, what does this do to your willingness to learn? I often wonder about this - whether it's truth lodged in a paradox or a strategy pretending to be wisdom propagated by con-men who are trying to coax the clam open far enough to steal their pearl. I probably shouldn't make generalities about it.
The great part of walking in the fresh snow is not that you can see from where you came but that what lies ahead is limited only by your imigination and ambition.
Each day is a blank slate waiting for you to make your mark.
Jeanie Purcell I always like your "thought for the day" and look forward to them. Thanks!
Rick Carr Write boldly! & dittos to Jeanie's comment!
Anticipate Christmas morning like you are five years old!
Lori Bailey Simkavitz I still do! :)
Don't just do something. Stand there! Take time to enjoy the season.
Nancy Hoover Amen!!!!
The most inspiring words mean nothing unless they are followed by action.
Pause and reflect on the true meaning of the season.
If you seek truth a single voice whispering a message of love can drowned out a million voices screaming hatred.
Be the light in someone's darkness.
Accepting ourselves, as we are, may make us feel better in the short-term but causes us to fall short of what we are intended to be.
Kimberly Coombs oooh, that's a good one
Give freely of the thing you treasure the most and it wlll come back to you many fold.
Give Thanks.
God is good.
Paul Davis any particular god, there seem to be so many ?
Stacey Friedlein The God who loves us unconditionally and asks nothing in return.
Paul Davis I would expect most gods to offer similar things otherwise how would they expect people to follow them ?
Stacey Friedlein The best we can offer is to love others by his example.
Paul Davis But I as a freethinking scientifically minded person would require proof and that is not offered
Sany Zogg amen!
Paul Davis So no recommendation as to a good variety of god to follow, shall I just pick the one that offers the best deal in terms of ever lasting life, plenty of virgins in heaven and no unhealthy interest in choir boys etc by the henchmen/priests that keep order & force poor impressionable children to believe in an imaginary with the threat of burning in hell if they don’t Such a hard choice - thinking for ourselves vs child abuse
Stacey Friedlein Paul, don't worry God will find you and when he does you will understand his unconditional love for you.
Brain cramp..I got noth'n.
Stephanie Deveau hold that thought...
Susie Botkin Laskey That's my thought everyday!! Love you!!
If you dread Thanksgiving dinner just think how the turkey feels.
Luise Winhold likes this.
Jim Hilgedick If you are a turkey ... November is the last month of the year.
Lotus Wit The turkey says thank you.
Louise Winhold We always say, "roast in peace" ;)
Thank you to all who have served to protect my freedoms.
Live in the moment!
Be careful not to close off any path. You never know when you may need to utilize it again. Sometimes it may even become a shortcut to your destination.
Susie Botkin Laskey Great thought!!
Lotus Wit yess, I agree.
Kelly Klekamp-Smith Wow, that's a powerful one. Thanks for sharing!!
Let the candy consumption season begin!
The person who is most adamant that their opinion is correct is usually the one who is wrong.
We honor the beliefs of others by acknowledging we can differ in thought but respect each other's opinions.
Enjoy the nature of the season. Spend some time under the canopy of a red golden maple tree and take in the magnificent smells and cool breeze. It may just be the energy boost you need.
Cindy Powell You defintely are referring to your home..I have several inches of snow in my yard and maples don't grow here! Lol
The best honor you can bestow anyone is to call them your friend.
Be thankful for those who are willing to do the things you are not.
We should all embrace the pride felt as our country's flag is raised during the Olympic medal ceremony
Dan Baiotto BINGO, DITTOS, GO USA
Accepting change is good for the soul. Even when it is forced on you by the Facebook gods.
Peter Alcivar Who moved my cheese?
Jan Sexson Great little story!
Expect a miracle every day. Just don't expect it is going to be the one you are looking for.
A sunrise means you have a brand new chance to achieve your heart's desires.
When you aren't the best, your best will have to do.
Frederick Hill Great!
Andrew Harry Hale That's a good one
It is not about what you know but what you are willing to learn.
Fred Hinegardner You know this? And if you do, what does this do to your willingness to learn? I often wonder about this - whether it's truth lodged in a paradox or a strategy pretending to be wisdom propagated by con-men who are trying to coax the clam open far enough to steal their pearl. I probably shouldn't make generalities about it.
The great part of walking in the fresh snow is not that you can see from where you came but that what lies ahead is limited only by your imigination and ambition.
Each day is a blank slate waiting for you to make your mark.
Jeanie Purcell I always like your "thought for the day" and look forward to them. Thanks!
Rick Carr Write boldly! & dittos to Jeanie's comment!
Anticipate Christmas morning like you are five years old!
Lori Bailey Simkavitz I still do! :)
Don't just do something. Stand there! Take time to enjoy the season.
Nancy Hoover Amen!!!!
The most inspiring words mean nothing unless they are followed by action.
Pause and reflect on the true meaning of the season.
If you seek truth a single voice whispering a message of love can drowned out a million voices screaming hatred.
Be the light in someone's darkness.
Accepting ourselves, as we are, may make us feel better in the short-term but causes us to fall short of what we are intended to be.
Kimberly Coombs oooh, that's a good one
Give freely of the thing you treasure the most and it wlll come back to you many fold.
Give Thanks.
God is good.
Paul Davis any particular god, there seem to be so many ?
Stacey Friedlein The God who loves us unconditionally and asks nothing in return.
Paul Davis I would expect most gods to offer similar things otherwise how would they expect people to follow them ?
Stacey Friedlein The best we can offer is to love others by his example.
Paul Davis But I as a freethinking scientifically minded person would require proof and that is not offered
Sany Zogg amen!
Paul Davis So no recommendation as to a good variety of god to follow, shall I just pick the one that offers the best deal in terms of ever lasting life, plenty of virgins in heaven and no unhealthy interest in choir boys etc by the henchmen/priests that keep order & force poor impressionable children to believe in an imaginary with the threat of burning in hell if they don’t Such a hard choice - thinking for ourselves vs child abuse
Stacey Friedlein Paul, don't worry God will find you and when he does you will understand his unconditional love for you.
Brain cramp..I got noth'n.
Stephanie Deveau hold that thought...
Susie Botkin Laskey That's my thought everyday!! Love you!!
If you dread Thanksgiving dinner just think how the turkey feels.
Luise Winhold likes this.
Jim Hilgedick If you are a turkey ... November is the last month of the year.
Lotus Wit The turkey says thank you.
Louise Winhold We always say, "roast in peace" ;)
Thank you to all who have served to protect my freedoms.
Live in the moment!
Be careful not to close off any path. You never know when you may need to utilize it again. Sometimes it may even become a shortcut to your destination.
Susie Botkin Laskey Great thought!!
Lotus Wit yess, I agree.
Kelly Klekamp-Smith Wow, that's a powerful one. Thanks for sharing!!
Let the candy consumption season begin!
The person who is most adamant that their opinion is correct is usually the one who is wrong.
We honor the beliefs of others by acknowledging we can differ in thought but respect each other's opinions.
Enjoy the nature of the season. Spend some time under the canopy of a red golden maple tree and take in the magnificent smells and cool breeze. It may just be the energy boost you need.
Cindy Powell You defintely are referring to your home..I have several inches of snow in my yard and maples don't grow here! Lol
The best honor you can bestow anyone is to call them your friend.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
If you expect it…earn it
When I was fourteen I got my first real job. I’ll never forget how proud I felt to put on the red and white checkered shirt, the uniform of a man who was ready to make his way in the world. A man with a job!
Woo hoo, earning a paycheck, financial independence; I could buy anything my heart’s desire. At least anything a dollar forty-five an hour could buy me. I was on top of the world—today Giovanni’s Pizza, tomorrow the executive suite on Wall Street. I had it made!
Running down the stairs and heading for the front door I was summoned by my dad. Umm, OK. What could he have to say which could be more important than me getting started on my first million. You see, my dad was never one of many words. When they did come it usually meant you had been caught in some misbehavior which mom decided dad needed to address. This couldn’t be good.
So as I turned and headed for the den my mind was racing through the list of indiscretions which I may have been involved. I was already formulating excuses and explanations when I walked into the den. Here it comes I thought. I said something clever like, “Make it quick dad, I have to get to work.”
He replied with a stern, “Sit down.” Uh oh, this must be serious. Sitting down meant the lecture was coming. Oh brother, didn’t he know I had places to be, fortunes to earn. Couldn’t this wait? He too sat down. Oh geez, what had a done which caused him to set down too?
He looked me in the eye and said, “Stacey, my son.” My son? He had never said that to me before. He must think I had killed someone or set the school on fire. Then it began
So my father of few words turned to me and said. “Son, I am proud of you. You are headed to your first job. It’s a big responsibility. People are depending on you and I want to give you but one piece of advice. If you expect a day’s wage give them a day’s work.” Wow, I thought. There is no punishment, no lecture on past behavior. Instead he had laid down a challenge—a challenge to give my best.
These words were profound. They came from the man of few words. He was more of a ‘by example’ kind of dad. Words just weren’t his thing. Maybe it is why these have stuck with me for more than thirty-five years. Though he didn’t need to say them, he did. His example of hard work and of earning your way was evident in everything he did.
This example of self reliance and hard work, now punctuated with this challenge of earning my way would become guideposts for me. I remind myself of this challenge each time I start a new client project and these are words I have shared with my own children. Though for my own kids, they have always had their dad feeding them with words of wisdom and challenges. This is one more in the stack.
But for me these words have been more precious than gold. They came from a man who lived them more than spoke them. Words I carry with me every time I go to work—then and now.
As I walked from the den I felt relieved that all of those indiscretions which raced through my mind earlier had been forgotten, at least for now but I knew the day of reckoning for those would come soon enough.
For now I reveled in the idea of making my fortune, of financial independence. If I earned it!
Woo hoo, earning a paycheck, financial independence; I could buy anything my heart’s desire. At least anything a dollar forty-five an hour could buy me. I was on top of the world—today Giovanni’s Pizza, tomorrow the executive suite on Wall Street. I had it made!
Running down the stairs and heading for the front door I was summoned by my dad. Umm, OK. What could he have to say which could be more important than me getting started on my first million. You see, my dad was never one of many words. When they did come it usually meant you had been caught in some misbehavior which mom decided dad needed to address. This couldn’t be good.
So as I turned and headed for the den my mind was racing through the list of indiscretions which I may have been involved. I was already formulating excuses and explanations when I walked into the den. Here it comes I thought. I said something clever like, “Make it quick dad, I have to get to work.”
He replied with a stern, “Sit down.” Uh oh, this must be serious. Sitting down meant the lecture was coming. Oh brother, didn’t he know I had places to be, fortunes to earn. Couldn’t this wait? He too sat down. Oh geez, what had a done which caused him to set down too?
He looked me in the eye and said, “Stacey, my son.” My son? He had never said that to me before. He must think I had killed someone or set the school on fire. Then it began
So my father of few words turned to me and said. “Son, I am proud of you. You are headed to your first job. It’s a big responsibility. People are depending on you and I want to give you but one piece of advice. If you expect a day’s wage give them a day’s work.” Wow, I thought. There is no punishment, no lecture on past behavior. Instead he had laid down a challenge—a challenge to give my best.
These words were profound. They came from the man of few words. He was more of a ‘by example’ kind of dad. Words just weren’t his thing. Maybe it is why these have stuck with me for more than thirty-five years. Though he didn’t need to say them, he did. His example of hard work and of earning your way was evident in everything he did.
This example of self reliance and hard work, now punctuated with this challenge of earning my way would become guideposts for me. I remind myself of this challenge each time I start a new client project and these are words I have shared with my own children. Though for my own kids, they have always had their dad feeding them with words of wisdom and challenges. This is one more in the stack.
But for me these words have been more precious than gold. They came from a man who lived them more than spoke them. Words I carry with me every time I go to work—then and now.
As I walked from the den I felt relieved that all of those indiscretions which raced through my mind earlier had been forgotten, at least for now but I knew the day of reckoning for those would come soon enough.
For now I reveled in the idea of making my fortune, of financial independence. If I earned it!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Farewell to Faith
Today we celebrated the life of my church. It was the final worship service of my small church, Faith Lutheran Church. There were tears and laughs, hugs and handshakes and in the end we know God had indeed been served well in the twenty years of Faith Lutheran Church.
For me this has been especially profound. It was another ending in a list of endings for me this year. While many shed tears I could not.
As I reflected on the church closing I found the shards of it's past lying among the shards of so many things which I have held close in my life. But also in that pile of brokenness I see hope.
It was especially fitting for me today that our Gospel came from Luke the third chapter. It read in part, "His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Allowing God to sweep away the pain and brokenness I can celebrate in the abundance of the harvest. I can move forward with knowing that what remains is the hope and promises God has given me. Along with my fellow church members we have been gathered up by God.
Many of those lessons came from my church family and I will cherish them always. And endings only means there are opportunities for new beginnings and I look forward to all God has in store for my life and the lives of my church family.
For me this has been especially profound. It was another ending in a list of endings for me this year. While many shed tears I could not.
As I reflected on the church closing I found the shards of it's past lying among the shards of so many things which I have held close in my life. But also in that pile of brokenness I see hope.
It was especially fitting for me today that our Gospel came from Luke the third chapter. It read in part, "His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Allowing God to sweep away the pain and brokenness I can celebrate in the abundance of the harvest. I can move forward with knowing that what remains is the hope and promises God has given me. Along with my fellow church members we have been gathered up by God.
Many of those lessons came from my church family and I will cherish them always. And endings only means there are opportunities for new beginnings and I look forward to all God has in store for my life and the lives of my church family.
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