Word Up

December 31, 2009 Leave a Comment

Committing to reading the Bible has never been more accessible.  Thanks to YouVersion, there are 20+ reading plans available on their website, on your phone, or in your RSS reader for no charge.  Starting tomorrow, I will be continuing a plan online that was introduced to my church over the summer. 

These plans range from 25 days to two years, and you’re bound to pick one out that suits you.  Once you do, you can connect to a community of users who are on the same plan. 

If you’ve never used YouVersion, chances are you’ll love all you can do with it.  If you’re more book-friendly or use an eReader or a mobile app (by the way–YouVersion has those, too), then you can still follow along.  You can also check out Gene Jennings’ recommendation for a reading plan on his blog.

What a great time to word up!

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New Year Resolutions

December 29, 2009 2 Comments

I’ve never been much for New Year resolutions.  This is mainly because I’ve either seen them be things that flop or overly relied on.  In the flop category, you have things like massive weight loss.  In the overly relied on category, you have people who say things like, “You know what? It’s a new year, and this is a new me.”  New Year’s diet resolutions usually crash and burn, and no one’s life changes based on a 10-second countdown.

Still, I’ve come to find New Year’s as a time to set realistic goals.  Last New Year, I committed to this blog, began creating it, and went forth with my thoughts on the abstract and concrete.  I’ve heard of someone else saying they will not return missed calls to people who don’t leave voicemails–if it’s important enough, they’ll leave a message.  This New Year, one of the things I’m considering is beginning Christmas savings early on so I’m not as reliant on those last few paychecks to take care of all my gift-buying. 

What are some realistic goals you want to set for yourself this New Year? Oh, and maybe it is massive weight loss or some different life decisions you need. Just don’t expect these things to happen overnight.

Happy New Year!

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Link Love: The Baggage Claim

December 28, 2009 Leave a Comment

Link: http://godslilworkinprogress.blogspot.com

Why I Love It:

If you’ve been around the church or “church folk” at all in your life, you’ve probably heard that God places everyone in your life for a reason.  On MySpace, where friend requests from artists get sent to you on a fairly consistent basis, one that stood out to me four years ago was from a talented singer/songwriter/musician, Trisha O’Keefe.  It has always been great commenting back and forth with Trisha, who now resides in Nashville, TN. 

Trisha and I have since become friends on Facebook, where I saw a note she wrote about starting a blog where she will put her “heart for counsel to practical use.”  The blog is called The Baggage Claim, and the first post as well as the “About Me” section really delves into a beautiful transformation that has taken place in her life.  I recommend checking it out and adding this one to your favorites.

Trisha, I’m glad that God has placed you in my life, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

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Counting Blessings

December 18, 2009 3 Comments

There’s something about the end of the year that makes me look back and see what all has gone on.  What a year!  It was full of news both good and bad on local and national levels.  We’ve lost major public figures, and I’ve lost people as close to me as a neighbor and a relative.  People have fallen, and light has been shed on their devastating life decisions.  Some are waking up and finding themselves in places they never thought they would be.  Loss has played a major role in 2009.  I don’t know if you’ve experienced it, whether death or in another way, but it has sealed my eyes and brought my words to God many times. 

Still, as I find myself in Christmas card writing mode, I cannot help but count my blessings.  I am so thankful for the way I’ve seen God work, and for the miracle of needs being met.  God is in control, and He is working within everything that is going on.  I love Him for that.  I love the way He continues to show us brighter days.  I love how, if you shed enough light on a situation, you will see God’s fingerprints all over it.  He is with us, and He is there for you.

I am very blessed to be employed in a poor economy.  Each week, I get to go to a church where I learn and grow, serve and worship freely, and fits my preferences in style and environment.  I never have to wonder what I’m doing for Thanksgiving or Christmas.  I have a family that loves me.  I have friends all around me who have been there for me by helping me or simply by being there.  I’ve never had to do without, no matter how low finances get.  I am alive in Christ Jesus.  These are some of the things that make me rich.

I write this in a time where I have heard about hardship almost daily.  I have also heard about restoration.  I’ve watched God open new doors and continue to be the Pillar of hope. Sadness is not all I know, for my God is there for those who need Him.  He continues to be there for me in these ways, and therefore, I am blessed. 

The Lord Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  May you find His peace this Christmas season.

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Break Out the Stamps: The Result

December 2, 2009 Leave a Comment

A few months ago, I wrote a post entitled Break Out the Stamps.  It was about sending words of encouragement to someone you know the way John did to Gaius in the Bible.  At the end of it, I said I would let you know how this went for me.  The answer to that: great and enriching.  We have such a wonderful gift God gives us in the ability to encourage others.  Do you realize people pay for encouragement?  There’s a whole market for inspiration, and that isn’t bad at all, but we get to personally communicate encouragement to people and use it to strengthen our relationships at nothing more than the cost of a stamp.  Amazing.  Don’t neglect being the blessing you can be to someone.

Now is a great time to write out some words of encouragement like those found in 3 John.  It’s Christmastime, and cards are going out left and right.  Who will you send Christmas cards to?  What will the say?  Who are the one or two people on your list who you can really pour into by loving them in the truth?  Don’t pass this up. 

I hope you’ll be able to write a result before this season’s over.

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