14 Days and Counting

GIFTS. PASSIONS. STRUGGLES. Chapter 17

Couple things that jumped out at me was the word "enthusiastically" in Romans 12:11 means "God within." That makes so much sense. It's not us trying and trying to be enthusiastic about something or by our own grit and determination to be passionate about God. It's letting God within us, come out of us with the passion and enthusiasm that is from Him.

I also loved the Dr. Seuss quote on page 132, "Be who you are because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." That's is brilliant. Love Dr. Seuss.

What did you get from this chapter?

15 Breakfasts Left

TRUE WORTH.

Believing God created me just the way I am for a purpose, has the power to effect me every moment of every day, if I let it. Accepting this can sometimes be difficult because we know us and we know what we are capable of and often thing the bad out weighs the good. But, the truth is if we treated ourselves the way God has treated us, we would believe more and more in who we are and what He's created us to do.

This reminded me of what I heard someone say at one of those leadership conferences. I believe it was Andy Stanley who talked about the 2 things we need to be doing are what's necessary and natural. We need to always be willing to do what's necessary, but be moving toward doing what is natural to us (ie our strengths). I think if I had 15 days to live I wouldn't waste a single moment creating inserts or on graphics design, or on planning an event, or budgeting... or a myriad of other things that are necessary for me to do. I think i would spend my time discipling my kids, equipping men to be spiritual leaders, having conversations to friends about Jesus, impressing Biblical truth to people I care about.

What about you, what would you spend your time doing if you had 15 days to live?

16 Days To Speak Truth In Love

COMMUNICATION -- Chapter 15

Has anyone else been guilty of being on a mission while walking through the church lobby on the weekend and hoping no one stops you to talk? It hit me several months ago that I subconsciously try and have meaningful conversations in the least amount of time.

When asked on page 113, "What prevents you from listening more closely to those you care about?" It's absolutely because I'm either in a hurry or my brain is full.

I liked the quote on 112, "If you listen beneath the words of those you love, you'll hear the hurt and connect with them on a deeper level." If I had 16 days to live, I think I would do that with fewer and fewer people.

How would you communicate if you have 16 days left to live?

17 Days to Appreciate a Friend

THANKFUL.

I think the best quote for me was before the chapter 14 started. "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend." --Melody Beattie

I needed to be reminded of this extremely important truth. For me, this is the key to my not being frustrated, overwhelmed, and stressed. When I am at a place of thankfulness for my family, friends, ministry, and each day God gives me, there is usually very little room for those other things I mentioned. The challenge for me is staying there.

How do you get to that place of thankfulness? How do you stay there?

18 Chances to Reach Out

SANDPAPER PEOPLE.

"He's more interested in our character than our comfort" (pg.99). This is a very important truth in any relationship. But not just in relationships, in all of life. If we really took ownership of this, and saw God this way, instead of the Great Grandfather in the sky who's main goal is to make us happy, we'd live healthier and happier lives.

Why is it so hard for us to accept that God will allow us to experience pain and discomfort for His Glory. Don't get me started on American consumerism (one of the greatest diseases to the American Church -- oh look I started). Breath...breath...

OK, back to the book. At first I could not think of anyone that I would consider sandpaper people like he described with the tools. But, the more time I thought about it, the more people kept coming to the front of my mind. If you're married your spouse has to be at the top of the list. They are THE person in our lives who God put there to help transform us to be more like Him. Then it's your parents or siblings, or neighbors, and co-workers. Anyone we see on a regular basis who knows who we are and sees our flaws... God can use to smooth off the rough edges in our lives.

How does this perspective of people, change our relationships with them?

19 Days To Smell the Roses

CONFLICT.

Another great chapter. One line that jumped out to me was, "Learn to attack the issue without attacking each other." I think that is a valuable nugget I will keep with me.

Being in ministry we all probably experienced someone attacking us because of some issue. Tim Winters once told me that, people will praise you for what you do and criticize you for who you are.

Not to get all scriptural on you but the verse that says we're not battling flesh and blood but it's a spiritual battle (Eph. 6:13). I need to be reminded that with my wife, although it FEELS very personal, it is an issue we are fighting not each other.

How are you doing in conflict resolution?

20 Evening Dinners

UNITY.

I liked this chapter. I liked the analogy because having a healthy long lasting relationship with all the perks that we were created for, is hard work -- like climbing a mountain. I thought the three mountains people have to climb, misunderstanding, "me first," and mistakes were pretty good too.

I believe conflict is the pathway to true community. I believe that every relationship will be tested in the fire and see what it's made of. In my experience most people aren't willing to work hard through the mountainous terrain (if I may continue his analogy). I also believe the rough terrain could be smoothed over when both parties offer grace and forgiveness.

The other day I was sitting at lunch with someone who has had a crazy life with lots of hypocrisy and judgementalism. A life that has been riddled with negative relational experiences. This person was talking about how he has such high standards for everyone and is the first to point out inconsistencies and mistakes in others. I kind of blurted out, without thinking, "you didn't experience a lot of grace growing up, did you?" He emailed me later that day as he reflected on my question and said it was a big "aha moment" for him.

I think my mom is one of the most gracious people I've ever known, and I never realized how much I bennefited from that until this week.

When we loose the ability to offer grace to people, we loose the possibility for the depth and growth that come from the relationships God's wired us for.

Thoughts on the chapter?

21 Sunrises Left

FORGIVENESS.

Such truth in this chapter. I'm reminded of a recent sermon on anger. It seems like every chapter up to this point has been for me, but this one is one I am not struggling with.

How about you? Did this chapter hit a chord with you?

22 Days To Forgive

NOT WAITING.

"Who in your life has disappointed you the most?" My sister. "How have you handled that relationship?" Distance.

Enough said. I knew this chapter would be coming. Now I have to do something about it, and I don't really want to. Being honest here. Hows that saying go, "if you have a frog to eat, eat it early." Here's to frogs... I'm going to call her right now. Messy messy messy...

I called both home and cell and left a message at home, couldn't leave a message on her cell. I'll be shocked if she calls me back... so looks like I'll be eating frogs later too. Frogs taste terrible!

Am I the only one who needs to talk to someone?

PS I choose the picture and title to this blog about 9 days ago, just chose random titles... could it be a coincidence... "I submit that it cannot!"

23 Sunrises Left

FULL THROTTLE.

This chapter was a good summary chapter for me. A good reminder that I am made to live life to the full and with that comes "crashing" now and again so that Christ can pick me up and make me stronger. Peter is definitely a beautiful picture of this. There are so many things about Peter's life that are encouraging and inspiring.

What jumps out at me in Peter's life is Jesus' belief in him. Seeing him from fisherman to leader of the church. He invited him, believed in him, modeled to him, spoke truth to him, confronted him, let him crash, forgave him, loved him, and constantly disciple him to be the best follower/leader he could be.

I loved the last section of this chapter. He said we need to move from "satisfying self to denying self." He went on, "Peter denied Christ, and he crashed. But when he learned to deny himself, he became a champion." It's not about becoming a champion. It's not about denying self in order to somehow get something in return. It's about what He wants to do, and denying self so that we don't get in the way of what He wants done. It's all about Him! Challenging. Encouraging. Convicting. Freeing.

Any thoughts on this chapter, or the past 8 days?

24 Days To Say What You Need To Say

DREAMS.

I think I need to start dreaming. Not sure I have ever really done this well. Not a whole lot to add to this other than... I don't allow time to dream enough. I think it goes back to the "not taking risks" thing. Why dream when you'll never take a risk to see it come true. How does one start dreaming?

What do you dream about?

25 Opportunties To Have Lunch With a Loved One

RISKS.

Hmmm... lots of room to grow here. I am sad to say that when the question was asked "In which area are you more likely to take a risk: personally, professionally, relationally, or spiritually?" The only one I could possibly pick was spiritually. It is not natural for me to take risks in the others. I've definitely grown, but realize i have a ways to go and truly want to live life to the full and not be held back by fear.

Another thing that jumped out at me was the Message version of the parrable of the talents. I have read that story so many times but this time it has made more sense to me than ever before. Crazy! I always thought the mastor was a little harsh to the 3rd guy, if I were to be honest. But this makes sense that God would rather us exersize faith in Him and fail than use our own understanding and take the easy way out. This story came alive to me. There's something here I need to hear.

Lastly, the one rebuttle I had with the "let go of the monkey bars and feel the strong arms of a loving father catch you" line in the last paragraph on the last page is -- what if God wants you to fall on your face so you can feel the weight of your choices? Just because a person finally lets go doesn't mean they won't feel the pain of their consequences, but this is because God disciplines those He loves (Heb. 12). Trusting in God isn't always a bed of roses, but it will always be met with truth and love that has our best in mind. I'm sure the author believes that, but I'm just being raw with what I read here.

What did you get out of this chapter?

26 Days Left with Your Family

HEALTH.

Good stuff today. I don't have time to type a whole lot but, I love/hate this chapter because it's painfully true.

How did this chapter speak to you?

27 Sunsets Left

THE VINE.

I really needed to be reminded that all I need to do is stay connected to the vine. That's my job! Why can't I learn that once and for all? Why is that something I need to be reminded of constantly? (rhetorical questions)

What hinders me from connecting to the vine each and every day is my laziness in the morning and my business during the day. There you go. That's me. I admit I go through good stretches and bad stretches, but the bad stretches have to do with two things: laziness and business. I'll admit that the good stretches have improved 100% from even a few years ago, but I have a way to go. I thank God for His patience with me. He deserves my very best.

I also loved what he said about health verses growth. I wish I would have heard that 12 years ago when I started walking with the Lord on a daily basis. I was in such a hurry to grow. Healthy things grow. That's so true!

What jumped out at you in today's reading?

28 Days Left

TIME.

Why do I react to this word with a hint of anxiety? I must need to do this One Month To Live thing because I still don't believe I prioritize my time well. Or, is it because just when I think I have prioritized my time, a new season of life hits, or something changes, and I feel like I have to start over. I think the latter is more of a reality than the former. If I have enough time in one stage or season of life, I'm pretty good at getting to a good place in prioritizing my time (or at least I know what it is supposed to look like). But, life changes constantly. What is a priority for me today may not be a priority in another season. So, what I guess I need is to figure out what things don't change over time and how to learn to be OK with the transition periods in between the different seasons.

What were your honest reflections on today's chapter about "time?"

29 Days and Counting

This chapter reminded me once of what I heard Francis Chan say at the first Orange Conference we went to. He quoted Hebrews 11:6 that says, "without faith it is impossible to please God." Then he said, 'if that's true, than maybe with faith it is impossible to not please God.

That always stuck with me. I think because we're in ministry we're supposed to always be living by faith, but yet it feels like I'm often living by programs or principles. Is the success of my ministry based on whether or not God shows up or whether people show up? Am I relying on God strength and direction or relying on good programing that's proven to work? Am I being lead by wise principles of ministry or by God's Spirit? I don't always know the fine line between the two.

There are definitely times when I am desperate for God, but if I were to be honest, often that desperation is motivated out of not wanting to look like a fool in front of others. "God all these people are showing up, please do something!"

If I new I was dying in 29 days, would I be concerned about this stuff. Probably not. I would probably go play with Trace who just asked, "Hi dadda, what you doing?"

What about you? What jumped out at you this chapter?

30 Days to Live

All I can think about are the friends and family members I know personally who have sat in a doctors office waiting for the doctor to come in and tell them sobering news.

I met with a couple yesterday who recently heard this kind of news. The wife was told she has breast cancer. The doctors told them of all the possibilities and prepared them for the worst. Since they found out a couple weeks ago, she has had this new found desire to be free from responsibilities. She told me she despises looking at her calender that is filled with all kinds of appointments and things she HAS to do. She blurted out, "I hate that calender!" She admits that since she found out she feels trapped by all the things that hold her back from "living."

I get that. My "dash" often feels like it's just full of stuff I have to do, not truly living life to the full. What does it mean to get the most out of each day without letting each day drain the most out of me?

I'm leary to have high expectations for this 30 days. Are you? I don't want to make promises I can't keep. I guess I'm hoping to gain a long term perspective that impacts each day, but doesn't fade after this 30 days has gone.

What are you hoping to get out of this?

Waiting Till Monday To Start Dying

Sounds kind of morbid. All this talk about dying. More on that later...

Anyway, welcome Rian, Judy, Abigail, Kathy, Susy, Dan, Ben, T2 (u know who u r), Jennifer, Todd, Mark, and Mike. Did I miss anyone? Oh yeah, "Hola Able!"

It's Saturday night and I'm setting this up, getting ready to email you to remind you that we're starting this on Monday, March 2 and several thoughts are going through my head.

1. Will anyone even do it?
2. Who will be the first to make fun of it? (anyone want to guess, I bet I know)
3. Is this a lame Christian marketing scam that tugs heart strings and get's people to buy books and other products?
4. What would it be like to really be told you have one month to live? Makes me think of friends who have sat in a doctor's office and listened to similar news. Heavy.
5. Can I wear the same thing on Sunday to church that I wore on Saturday night? (just being honest here)
6. How can I word this blog or that email in a way that convinces our staff that we should all do this and take it serious? Hmmmmm...
7. What if I really took this serious? Would I be any different in 1 month?

I could keep going. Point is, I have questions. Do you?

The 30-Day countdown starts Monday, March 2. Read chapter 1 in the book. Come on, do it!