It's been a full week that is for sure. I started back to school and I'm taking 14 hours and working some 32 hours on top of it. So needless to say my day starts at 5 am and ends at close to 10pm. I'm poop dog tired! Truly, I have to ask myself am I really up for this? Of course my reply, YES!
I think the two classes that I will really enjoy is Art Appreciation and Psychology. Speech and Math will be good enough but I'm way more interested in the other two.
I look forward to a restful and peaceful weekend.
Oh we had some good rain last night and it brought with it some cooler weather. I love the cold brisk air!
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Friday, January 11, 2008
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Hebrews it's all about Jesus
I haven't been able to write much lately and to tell you the truth I've really missed it. As most of you know I was able to go back to my home away from home and see what Father is doing there. What always amazes me is that when I expect to go and be used by Him, He totally choses to use the time for teaching me something either about Him or about what I should be doing.....
I've been studying in Hebrews this past year and as our House Church began to wind the study up I kind of got stuck in Chapters 11- 13.
Here is what Father has been teaching me on my Journey with Him.
" Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible" Hebrews 11:1-3,
" And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
" All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. but as it is , they desire a better country, that is a Heavenly one.
THEREFORE GOD IS NOT ASHAMED TO BE CALLED THEIR GOD; FOR HE HAS PREPARED A CITY FO THEM."
Hebrews 11: 13-16
This chapter has so much in it how could I digest it in one sitting. It has taken me months to really process and learn what it is that Father wants to teach me about what it means to be faithful, to have faith in the things hoped for, to have convictions of the things I know are there but yet can't see, to understand that it is by faith we gain approval and that without faith I can not please my Heavenly Father; Jesus, To realize that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him...... I could go on but for today :) I'll just post about one aspect.
Verses 13-16-
The picture is of an older lady whom we have known now for 11 years. We don't have a deep relationship with her but a casual friendship with her. She has been shared with and knows the truth yet to our knowledge she hasn't believed. It is because of these and others who have yet to hear the Name of Jesus that my heart breaks and cries out to my Father in Heaven, " Lord , Please let me be apart of bringing the Harvest in ". I know it is a selfish cry and plea but an honest one from the depths of my heart.
Chapter 11 has brought some clarity to my life since having changed roles and jobs just over 3 years ago we moved out of being apart of the harvesting to helping with the administration of how to bring in the harvest. At the time while it was hard to leave our post and pass it off to someone else, somehow there was perfect peace to walk in obedience and to trust that Father was going to use us no matter where we served or in what compacity. It was truly the hardest transition for me personally and in some ways it was a struggle for my husband. Going from sharing our faith with the lost to leading those who were believers and then to add to that white faced americans was far from being simple. There were days we would look at each other and say, I pray we never acted like that or we would say Lord, teach us from all these that we may be changed and more like YOU. Not that everyone was bad or had issues but as we all know when you begin working with and leading other Christians especially americans. We quickly realize how bad "we ourselves included" all are at getting along and loving each other. That's for another post ! The fact is that while we truly did feel called to this role and felt we had an obligation to fulfill it for the term it wasn't easy for us to just walk out of being able to witness and share Jesus with the lostness around us and then turn all our efforts in encouraging, uplifting, helping others in their work and ministry.
Now some of you might say, why stop sharing? Well, we didn't stop sharing but when your focus and work is with those like us (white faced believers) the work changes and so much the time we spend with lostness. The Lord really did begin to show us some things and teach us some amazing things but it wasn't until I started studying in Hebrews that He began to pull all the pieces together or like I love to say," He Began threading them and making them complete by weaving them together." So what I'm actually going to share with you is the finished work of all that He's been doing in my own personal struggle of understanding why sometimes we have to do work that we feel may not be where our Joy is and how we learn to have Joy in the midst of what is very difficult. Then comes the garment of Praise-
As I went back into China and had the privilege of talking with those we shared with and lead to the Lord then it became clear to me that God was at work and was going to teach me something else from Hebrews. I was at a dinner one night with some of our dear brothers and sisters and we had asked them to share their testimony of when they came to know the Lord. Each one began to share and then came one dear sister and her husband. It was sweet to hear her talk about how she first saw God's love and how by life example ( life on life living) she saw that His Love was so different from her own. She was embarrassed and ashamed to be around us ( our family) because she always felt convicted that her Love wasn't like ours. She went to ask a malaysian friend why we were so different. This opened the door for Wakmee to share about God's love and how it changes people and touches people like our helper. She shared that for months she would see us day in and day out and how even when we got mad or upset she couldn't believe how much we cared about her that we would stop to explain that while we were upset it wasn't at the person as much as at the problem. Then she said, shared how we would always pray together and no matter how mad we got we always showed love to one another. It was because of this example that she first felt God speak to her and say she was not a good person and that she needed His Love to complete her.
I sat there and cried as she told the story and I translated. I never really knew totally how much our life on life living affected her. We had shared with her and witnessed to her but what really caused her to want to know Jesus was ultimately because she saw how our life was and how much Love we had and Joy we had even in the hardest times. She talked about our son, Justin's accident and she said, she was a believer then but still she couldn't believe how much Faith we had to trust God with our Son. She wasn't married yet and didn't have kids so she just couldn't imagine trusting in God to care of her kids let alone her Justin whom she saw and loved as her own little brother. Yet, she said, this was another example of how God used us to teach her about His love and His care for His children. She said, she remembered at the Hospital how we prayed for the doctors and the staff that they would come to know God through this experience, even before praying for their son. She said, it convicted me about my selfishness...... During this time of sharing I was reminded of the beginning of Hebrews 11 when the writer talks about those men and women of Faith who walked before us. In this instance the Lord allowed me to see how these dear brothers and sisters were being reminded of our faithfulness and it was encouraging them to remain faithful. That was so humbling because in that moment I realized and confessed," Yes, Lord, I've forgotten to remember those who have worked/labored before me and to be encouraged to press on and remain faithful......"
This testimony and others shared was so convicting to hear. Yes, it was a joy to hear how Father had used us to bring so many to faith but it was still convicting as well. I have missed being hands on and living life on life with lostness. Yet these past few years have taught us so much about how to live in community and how that is so important. It is what we need to model to the church in the Big country. It is the next step....... I was reminded in reflecting upon the conversation that I had just been given a glimpse into why we had to walk these past 3 years and how important it was going to be for us to model what we have learned. Share openly our own failures and victories of these past few years and to pass on to those younger in the faith so that they will not flounder or struggle in the same ways. We have a duty to proclaim GOD's FAITHFULNESS and His provision in all situations.
How does all this fit into Hebrews 11 you ask?
When I began studying Hebrews I was learning so much about Who Jesus was and how neat it was the progression of this book from Creation to Christ to the laborers and how neat it was that CHRIST was weaved through and through..... But what struck me was that there were times in these past 4 years that I have truly wanted to quit and to just go back to the states. There have been times when all I could see was the "Grass was greener over there( in the states). When I read Hebrews 11 I was shocked back to Right thinking.... I had taken my eyes off of JESUS first of all and had focused on my circumstances. I had forgotten of the many who have been FAITHFUL in the past and forgotten to look back to their faithfulness to spur me on to do the things I know CHRIST has called me to do. And finally I had not been willing to step out in FAITH knowing that what God was Calling me to He would be faithful to accomplish. That without faith I was not going to please Him and that "just doing" the work here in Asia didn't necessarily mean that was pleasing Christ. Especially if He was calling me /us to do something else. Change is never easy especially if it means getting more education for what lies ahead.
So, this last thread is really taking all of that and weaving it together, re-learning how to step out in faith; trusting the Lord for something I can't see and knowing that He is in control of all that is seen and unseen. It is learning again, that it is by Faith that others before me gained approval and that while I am secure in my faith; rather I am faithful or not, the blessing of walking in Obedience towards completion is necessary and since I am a believer then I too am gaining approval through my own obedience and Faith. It is realizing that with or with out me God will accomplish the work. I've seen this time and time again when I have stalled out or just not been obedient I see that He calls someone else to do the job I was meant to do. OUCH! It is realizing that My FAITH isn't just a one time occurrence but should be lived out day to day and that I should desire to please my Father in heaven through my Faith being lived out in the day to day things. I have seen how the Lord has had to take me back to the beginning of our ministry and show me how He has used us and how I need to not forget that even if He choses to use me in different ways I have to trust Him and not look back at the life I once had. Keeping my eyes on the eternal things not earthly things.
So may I close with this :
Phil. 3:13-14
"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Luke 9:23-25
"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."
May we all be ready to step out in Faith not fearing what lies ahead nor looking back at what was but looking to the Heavens knowing that our home is not here on earth but in Heaven. May we all realize that it is Christ who is the author and finisher of all things and that it is in HIM that we do all we do and may we not forget those who have walked in Faith before us - remembering their faithfulness and sacrifices which gives us HOPE to continue on even if we can not see the fruits of our labor. May we be encouraged to do the same and to look to Christ whom we are made complete because of HIS sacrifice and love!
A Garment of Praise - To My father in Heaven, Thank you for using me and molding me into Your image!
Melissa
I've been studying in Hebrews this past year and as our House Church began to wind the study up I kind of got stuck in Chapters 11- 13.
Here is what Father has been teaching me on my Journey with Him.
" Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible" Hebrews 11:1-3,
" And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
" All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. but as it is , they desire a better country, that is a Heavenly one.
THEREFORE GOD IS NOT ASHAMED TO BE CALLED THEIR GOD; FOR HE HAS PREPARED A CITY FO THEM."
Hebrews 11: 13-16
This chapter has so much in it how could I digest it in one sitting. It has taken me months to really process and learn what it is that Father wants to teach me about what it means to be faithful, to have faith in the things hoped for, to have convictions of the things I know are there but yet can't see, to understand that it is by faith we gain approval and that without faith I can not please my Heavenly Father; Jesus, To realize that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him...... I could go on but for today :) I'll just post about one aspect.
Verses 13-16-
The picture is of an older lady whom we have known now for 11 years. We don't have a deep relationship with her but a casual friendship with her. She has been shared with and knows the truth yet to our knowledge she hasn't believed. It is because of these and others who have yet to hear the Name of Jesus that my heart breaks and cries out to my Father in Heaven, " Lord , Please let me be apart of bringing the Harvest in ". I know it is a selfish cry and plea but an honest one from the depths of my heart.
Chapter 11 has brought some clarity to my life since having changed roles and jobs just over 3 years ago we moved out of being apart of the harvesting to helping with the administration of how to bring in the harvest. At the time while it was hard to leave our post and pass it off to someone else, somehow there was perfect peace to walk in obedience and to trust that Father was going to use us no matter where we served or in what compacity. It was truly the hardest transition for me personally and in some ways it was a struggle for my husband. Going from sharing our faith with the lost to leading those who were believers and then to add to that white faced americans was far from being simple. There were days we would look at each other and say, I pray we never acted like that or we would say Lord, teach us from all these that we may be changed and more like YOU. Not that everyone was bad or had issues but as we all know when you begin working with and leading other Christians especially americans. We quickly realize how bad "we ourselves included" all are at getting along and loving each other. That's for another post ! The fact is that while we truly did feel called to this role and felt we had an obligation to fulfill it for the term it wasn't easy for us to just walk out of being able to witness and share Jesus with the lostness around us and then turn all our efforts in encouraging, uplifting, helping others in their work and ministry.
Now some of you might say, why stop sharing? Well, we didn't stop sharing but when your focus and work is with those like us (white faced believers) the work changes and so much the time we spend with lostness. The Lord really did begin to show us some things and teach us some amazing things but it wasn't until I started studying in Hebrews that He began to pull all the pieces together or like I love to say," He Began threading them and making them complete by weaving them together." So what I'm actually going to share with you is the finished work of all that He's been doing in my own personal struggle of understanding why sometimes we have to do work that we feel may not be where our Joy is and how we learn to have Joy in the midst of what is very difficult. Then comes the garment of Praise-
As I went back into China and had the privilege of talking with those we shared with and lead to the Lord then it became clear to me that God was at work and was going to teach me something else from Hebrews. I was at a dinner one night with some of our dear brothers and sisters and we had asked them to share their testimony of when they came to know the Lord. Each one began to share and then came one dear sister and her husband. It was sweet to hear her talk about how she first saw God's love and how by life example ( life on life living) she saw that His Love was so different from her own. She was embarrassed and ashamed to be around us ( our family) because she always felt convicted that her Love wasn't like ours. She went to ask a malaysian friend why we were so different. This opened the door for Wakmee to share about God's love and how it changes people and touches people like our helper. She shared that for months she would see us day in and day out and how even when we got mad or upset she couldn't believe how much we cared about her that we would stop to explain that while we were upset it wasn't at the person as much as at the problem. Then she said, shared how we would always pray together and no matter how mad we got we always showed love to one another. It was because of this example that she first felt God speak to her and say she was not a good person and that she needed His Love to complete her.
I sat there and cried as she told the story and I translated. I never really knew totally how much our life on life living affected her. We had shared with her and witnessed to her but what really caused her to want to know Jesus was ultimately because she saw how our life was and how much Love we had and Joy we had even in the hardest times. She talked about our son, Justin's accident and she said, she was a believer then but still she couldn't believe how much Faith we had to trust God with our Son. She wasn't married yet and didn't have kids so she just couldn't imagine trusting in God to care of her kids let alone her Justin whom she saw and loved as her own little brother. Yet, she said, this was another example of how God used us to teach her about His love and His care for His children. She said, she remembered at the Hospital how we prayed for the doctors and the staff that they would come to know God through this experience, even before praying for their son. She said, it convicted me about my selfishness...... During this time of sharing I was reminded of the beginning of Hebrews 11 when the writer talks about those men and women of Faith who walked before us. In this instance the Lord allowed me to see how these dear brothers and sisters were being reminded of our faithfulness and it was encouraging them to remain faithful. That was so humbling because in that moment I realized and confessed," Yes, Lord, I've forgotten to remember those who have worked/labored before me and to be encouraged to press on and remain faithful......"
This testimony and others shared was so convicting to hear. Yes, it was a joy to hear how Father had used us to bring so many to faith but it was still convicting as well. I have missed being hands on and living life on life with lostness. Yet these past few years have taught us so much about how to live in community and how that is so important. It is what we need to model to the church in the Big country. It is the next step....... I was reminded in reflecting upon the conversation that I had just been given a glimpse into why we had to walk these past 3 years and how important it was going to be for us to model what we have learned. Share openly our own failures and victories of these past few years and to pass on to those younger in the faith so that they will not flounder or struggle in the same ways. We have a duty to proclaim GOD's FAITHFULNESS and His provision in all situations.
How does all this fit into Hebrews 11 you ask?
When I began studying Hebrews I was learning so much about Who Jesus was and how neat it was the progression of this book from Creation to Christ to the laborers and how neat it was that CHRIST was weaved through and through..... But what struck me was that there were times in these past 4 years that I have truly wanted to quit and to just go back to the states. There have been times when all I could see was the "Grass was greener over there( in the states). When I read Hebrews 11 I was shocked back to Right thinking.... I had taken my eyes off of JESUS first of all and had focused on my circumstances. I had forgotten of the many who have been FAITHFUL in the past and forgotten to look back to their faithfulness to spur me on to do the things I know CHRIST has called me to do. And finally I had not been willing to step out in FAITH knowing that what God was Calling me to He would be faithful to accomplish. That without faith I was not going to please Him and that "just doing" the work here in Asia didn't necessarily mean that was pleasing Christ. Especially if He was calling me /us to do something else. Change is never easy especially if it means getting more education for what lies ahead.
So, this last thread is really taking all of that and weaving it together, re-learning how to step out in faith; trusting the Lord for something I can't see and knowing that He is in control of all that is seen and unseen. It is learning again, that it is by Faith that others before me gained approval and that while I am secure in my faith; rather I am faithful or not, the blessing of walking in Obedience towards completion is necessary and since I am a believer then I too am gaining approval through my own obedience and Faith. It is realizing that with or with out me God will accomplish the work. I've seen this time and time again when I have stalled out or just not been obedient I see that He calls someone else to do the job I was meant to do. OUCH! It is realizing that My FAITH isn't just a one time occurrence but should be lived out day to day and that I should desire to please my Father in heaven through my Faith being lived out in the day to day things. I have seen how the Lord has had to take me back to the beginning of our ministry and show me how He has used us and how I need to not forget that even if He choses to use me in different ways I have to trust Him and not look back at the life I once had. Keeping my eyes on the eternal things not earthly things.
So may I close with this :
Phil. 3:13-14
"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Luke 9:23-25
"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."
May we all be ready to step out in Faith not fearing what lies ahead nor looking back at what was but looking to the Heavens knowing that our home is not here on earth but in Heaven. May we all realize that it is Christ who is the author and finisher of all things and that it is in HIM that we do all we do and may we not forget those who have walked in Faith before us - remembering their faithfulness and sacrifices which gives us HOPE to continue on even if we can not see the fruits of our labor. May we be encouraged to do the same and to look to Christ whom we are made complete because of HIS sacrifice and love!
A Garment of Praise - To My father in Heaven, Thank you for using me and molding me into Your image!
Melissa
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
With each stone
Tonight we will be celebrating our middle son's graduation. It's hard to believe and even harder to imagine that 18 years have already passed. He's lived an exciting 18 years thus far and it has been no small thing to see him get to this stage of life. However it has been all JOY. He came into the world with a bit of spunkiness and a tender heart. He's always been the button pusher in our family and knows everyone well enough to know just what buttons to push and when to push them. Leave it to Justin to take a tense moment and turn it into a moment of laughter. I have a flood of memories that come to my mind that he took the moment of stress to a moment of laughter.
He's always been full of hugs and kisses and still today loves to give and get hugs. :) Boy is that nice! He never has and I pray never does out grow his need for a MOM HUG!
When I took this picture I was reminded of a road trip we made to Lugu lake, in Yunnan Province, China. It was over 7 years ago and the road was not fully finished. As a matter a fact they were still working to pound in each rock and as we passed the workers it dawned on me that each rock has a story.
Today I am thinking back over the past 18 years of our life with Justin and the last 12 years of school that we have worked through together. I had the awesome privilege of getting to home school Justin and teach him to read. I'll never forget the first time he got it and I remember the laughs we had over spelling and the tears we had over math.....
It's been an amazing journey and I'm sad that my role is changing yet at the same time I'm thrilled for the new role I'll have in our son's life. I look forward to seeing him step out on this new road of Adulthood.....
So, here is to the stones we pound into the ground as we walk the road set before us.
May we not forget each one and the toil and labor that has gone into each one. Nor may we forget t
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Where does the time go?
It seems like ages since I've posted and yet it has only been 10 days... I swear that time is on warp speed....
Well, what is new in my life? I got the test results back from my biopsy and it came back benign! YIPPY... PTL! Father is so good!
Justin our middle son graduates from High School in less than 3 weeks. Oh my- this momma's going to miss your boy when he leaves for college.
I will be traveling in China from the 17-29th of May so I'll be off line but I promise I'll have lots to share about that trip and what the Lord is doing there! I can't wait to get back in country and to talk chinese again... I so miss the people and okay the food too.....
I have to get a haircut and get my plane ticket, go to a baby shower of a thai friend who isn't a believer but named her daughter Grace.. hope to share with her again today about God's Grace..... and then it will be home to clean and prepare for dinner...
Okay so this is really a random post but I had to post something and I Promise a more meaningful post tonight! :)
love to all
melissa
Well, what is new in my life? I got the test results back from my biopsy and it came back benign! YIPPY... PTL! Father is so good!
Justin our middle son graduates from High School in less than 3 weeks. Oh my- this momma's going to miss your boy when he leaves for college.
I will be traveling in China from the 17-29th of May so I'll be off line but I promise I'll have lots to share about that trip and what the Lord is doing there! I can't wait to get back in country and to talk chinese again... I so miss the people and okay the food too.....
I have to get a haircut and get my plane ticket, go to a baby shower of a thai friend who isn't a believer but named her daughter Grace.. hope to share with her again today about God's Grace..... and then it will be home to clean and prepare for dinner...
Okay so this is really a random post but I had to post something and I Promise a more meaningful post tonight! :)
love to all
melissa
Thursday, April 05, 2007
A growing experience
I love when I have an experience that challenges me to grow and change. This last trip I made to the states proved to do that in some Amazing ways.
Below are some pictures of some new found friends! We had a great time learning about Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills ( SYIS) and how to facilitate this workshop.
Here are my fellow trainees whom endured my many questions, processing out loud with incomplete sentences :) and who laughed with me along the journey of learning what it means to be a Facilitator of Adult Learning rather than a Teacher of Adults. :)
Now this might look strange to some but what it means is that the Teacher in us DIED! :) The need to lecture or have all the answers is dead and buried. Man- it is a freeing thing to realize you don't have to have all the answers to lead people to learning! :) So hurray for the Professor is Dead! :)
Each day we found lots of time to laugh and talk about life. This was just one of those days that we got together and discussed the fashions of today... Low waisted Jeans.. we were all laughing and sharing our personal experiences... and those of our kids! :)
These dear people were our fearless leaders! They managed to rein us in when we were getting out of control with laughter or questions. They managed to help us clearly understand "Core Beliefs" and how the fit into the workshop and helped us to begin to really understand the value of them and how to guide / facilitate others to better understand them. They laughed with us, cried with us, praised with us and even helped guide us to become better facilitators. What an encouraging group of leaders. Truly amazing people gifted in so many ways ~ I do count them as friends!
So, here's to another fantastic month of learning and experience life in new and different ways!
Check out the SYIS web site and invite ITPartners to your church for a workshop.. You will be blessed beyond measure!
Below are some pictures of some new found friends! We had a great time learning about Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills ( SYIS) and how to facilitate this workshop.
Here are my fellow trainees whom endured my many questions, processing out loud with incomplete sentences :) and who laughed with me along the journey of learning what it means to be a Facilitator of Adult Learning rather than a Teacher of Adults. :)
Now this might look strange to some but what it means is that the Teacher in us DIED! :) The need to lecture or have all the answers is dead and buried. Man- it is a freeing thing to realize you don't have to have all the answers to lead people to learning! :) So hurray for the Professor is Dead! :)
Each day we found lots of time to laugh and talk about life. This was just one of those days that we got together and discussed the fashions of today... Low waisted Jeans.. we were all laughing and sharing our personal experiences... and those of our kids! :)
These dear people were our fearless leaders! They managed to rein us in when we were getting out of control with laughter or questions. They managed to help us clearly understand "Core Beliefs" and how the fit into the workshop and helped us to begin to really understand the value of them and how to guide / facilitate others to better understand them. They laughed with us, cried with us, praised with us and even helped guide us to become better facilitators. What an encouraging group of leaders. Truly amazing people gifted in so many ways ~ I do count them as friends!
So, here's to another fantastic month of learning and experience life in new and different ways!
Check out the SYIS web site and invite ITPartners to your church for a workshop.. You will be blessed beyond measure!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Exploring Life
How many of us really just enjoy the journey before us. I know for myself it's not the easiest thing to do , enjoy the journey that is, especially when the road before me isn't in clear view.
This trip to Colorado was just so good on so many levels. I grew in my ability to facilitate learning in others. I grew in my walk with the Lord, and I grew on a personal level from deep with in. I know that all sounds deep... but it isn't really. I just love how sometimes the environment we live in can at times aid us in growing and maturing on so many levels. This trip to Colorado was one of those amazing times where all kinds of things came together for me.
I just enjoyed life in ways I hadn't in a long time. It was a good time of personal reflection, spiritual growth, and maturing in my skills as a facilitator of learning. I don't think I'll ever use the word TEACH again. I just learned so much about what it means to help others grow in their learning that I don't want to ever be a teacher of things but rather facilitate learning....
You know in reflection of life of Jesus - Jesus was a Facilitator of Learning. He asked good open questions- He rarely spoke without causing those He was speaking to, to reflect on what they were saying. He was a great facilitator in learning. When He spoke He caused others to want to draw near to hear what it was He was talking about and as a result caused people to ask themselves questions that made them want to know TRUTH.
It is just so cool to have crossed over from being unsure, sometimes scared, and even unwilling at times to want to continue on a journey where I'm just not sure where it is going to lead. To being okay and willing to say, Yes to whatever it is the Lord wants. I am not sure where our journey will lead us to next but this one thing I am certain of and that is where ever the road ahead leads I can rest assured that my Lord is walking before me......
It's not a path I've never walked before but it is hard to return to uncertainty when you've been blessed to know what the road ahead looks like.
I wonder if any of you are looking ahead and wondering what the road before will look like? I just challenge you to seek the Lord and to draw near to Him and realize that He is walking with you, before you and has your rear guard too. With that in mind it makes looking ahead not so scary...... :)
After all, we do walk in Faith- and for me personally, I'm learning yet again what it means to walk in Faith and trust the Lord in what He calls me to do!
Here's to exploring life!
melissa
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