Saturday, November 13, 2010

1 year later...

Here we are.  One year after I created this blog and I have.....13 written posts.  I suppose it could be worse, I could have not written at all.  I guess the most important thing I've gotten from this last year of writing blogs is that this has become an outlet. A place where I can be creative.  A place where I can bravely (gulp) share my art.  A place that I still have to force myself to return to because it presents a challenge.  A place that I still very much feel vulnerable.

My first post was called, "Shouldn't this be easier" and if you go back and read it, this post may make more sense to you.  I suppose writing blogs has become a little easier but, hitting the share button has not.  In fact, it was only 4 months ago that I took the leap and made my blog public.  Before that, only a few very encouraging people knew about it.  Now I have (a whopping) 5 followers (hi guys!).

But have I accomplished my goal through this blog?

I'm teaching Seth Godin's book Linchpin to our School of Ministry students and we're currently studying "The Resistance".  The resistance is the fear that prevents you from making yourself vulnerable.  The fear that keeps you from sharing something you've worked so hard on, or worse, keeps you from even starting it.  When it comes to my ultimate goal, the resistance has kept me quiet.  It's kept me from even trying, for fear of humiliation and certain failure.  I've even come up with a concept for my next "stepping stone" to make the transition easier but, sadly, have not even been able to muster up the courage for that.

I will get there.  At some point my resolve will become stronger than my excuses; stronger than the fear I've let hold me still.  When that happens, WATCH OUT!  I can see it now... The wastebasket overflowing with wadded up notebook paper, and me looking like I've been through the fight of my life to come up with a chorus that reads....(dramatic pause)...."Hallelujah"....NO! Not another "Hallelujah"!  Eureka! That's it! My first song will be called "Not Another Hallelujah"

...or not.

Well there you have it, my first attempt at writing a song, here on blogger for all to see...The process of beating the resistance has begun!  Wish me luck as I continue on my journey!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Seasons

As I sit here on this perfectly dreary Fall day, I’m thinking of the seasons of our lives. Last
night during Collective, as different people prayed, you could tell what kind of season each was in. Some prayed for others to be given new dreams, some prayed for a revival in all aspects of their lives, some stood quietly, and others prayed for growth. With each season in life comes a responsibility to that season.


Spring is a time of new vision, dreams and birthing. We all feel good when we have a new idea - everyone loves the new. Dreaming is the easy part, though. After the initial dream/idea, we have to begin planning/implementing. God doesn’t give us seeds so we can hold them in our hands. He gives us seeds to plant. But without consideration of location, amount of water and sunlight, etc., we don’t give our seeds much of a chance to germinate.


Summer is a time for building, growing and nurturing. It is a time for putting in the hard work to weed out parts of your dream that aren’t working, and strengthen the parts that are. It is also a time to watch out for dangers/distractions that could cause disruption in the growth. In Summer, it is important to continue to water as your concepts become realities. Remember that even though you may start seeing results, this is no time to back off. Never stop evaluating, cultivating, nurturing and preparing for…


Fall is the big show! It is the season when you see your dreams fulfilled. You’ve worked so hard, and now you can enjoy the spoils. This season usually starts with a bang and then normalizes. There are really only a few weeks to enjoy the gorgeous color and nip in the air that is Autumn. The challenge in this season is to understand that the leaves in full color soon fall to the ground and the crisp air soon turns to cold.  We should celebrate and relish in our accomplishment but understand that we cannot live there...


Winter can be a very difficult time for a lot of people. While it should be considered a time of rest, a lot people view it as a season of death. If we’re not careful, past failures and insecurities become our focus, and we miss the opportunity to slow down. If you’re experiencing this season now, I suggest you take advantage of it. God may have given you this as a gift to regroup, evaluate, or just simply rest in Him. This is the most important time to remember that you’re in a season, not in a permanent state.


No matter what season you find yourself in, remember that you have a responsibility with each one. I believe you can be prosperous with each season you’re given. Psalm 1:3 NLT “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” If you draw close to God in each season you’ll find His presence makes each one more fulfilling. If you find yourself frustrated, lean on Him, don’t rush ahead of Him. God has perfect timing, if we trust it, we will enjoy each season more.