Sermon from “The Rock” 9-16-10
1. Share your story with respect and seek common ground – people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Acts 22:2-5 “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus, but brought up in this city…”
2. Share the gospel relationally, truthfully, and transparently -“When Jesus entered this world, He didn’t use the Word to distance Himself from the people. Instead, He Himself was the Word, the eternal Son of God now putting on flesh, incarnated, and living among sinners.”
3. Share your unique story personally-The simplicity of Paul’s story “I have not always been a Christian, but God showed me my need of Jesus Christ. I committed my life to Jesus and now my life is different.”
Bob Hastings did a great job on this lesson. I am able to apply it to my spiritual life as well as my business. Being real and transparent with people gives them the sense that you care. If I am passionate about my business, really believe in it, people will feel that as well. Can someone be truly successful if they don't believe in what they are doing? God gives each of us a gift. It is up to us to find it and use it!
In my business I am committed to seek common ground, share my unique story in a personal way, share relationally, truthfully and transparently. I love the Pre-Paid Legal membership. I sold a small business plan this week. The business is the salon where I get my hair cut. The owner was thrilled to be protected and get some issues off of her mind that had been worrying her for over 2 years! It was fun helping someone get that peace of mind.
My simple story: God gave me a gift of helping people. I will help people in whatever way I can. My life is changed daily by learning & growing through God's word: God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Challenge calls me
We always grow through obstacles and challenges. So uncomfortable sometimes! What is the alternative? I really can’t even imagine what it would be like! I love this scripture: God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
My life is full of learning. Landmark Education has expanded my thinking and continues to do so through a seminar I am taking. Pre-Paid Legal is expanding my life in so many ways: speaking in front of people including groups, memorizing, building relationships, self confidence, passion, letting go of the past, setting goals. I would like to get involved with Toast Masters and really learn to speak well. It scares me to death! But I want to do it anyway. I will stretch and grow. Reading God’s word and going to church helps put things in perspective and gives me God’s power to move forward.
Part of my learning experience has been to grow in my attitude about money. It is hard to move forward with a “poor” mindset. I heard Dr. Laura Schlesinger say one time that some people start off life on a flat surface and are able to build their life from there. Some people start life in a hole that they have to dig out of to get to the flat surface that a lot of people start building from. Digging out of the hole takes a lot of hard work, strength, commitment and self discipline.
We learn by growing, we grow by overcoming obstacles and challenges. Who would I be without the challenges in life? I don't even want to think about that! It's not comfortable for sure but I am definitely a better person because of it!
My life is full of learning. Landmark Education has expanded my thinking and continues to do so through a seminar I am taking. Pre-Paid Legal is expanding my life in so many ways: speaking in front of people including groups, memorizing, building relationships, self confidence, passion, letting go of the past, setting goals. I would like to get involved with Toast Masters and really learn to speak well. It scares me to death! But I want to do it anyway. I will stretch and grow. Reading God’s word and going to church helps put things in perspective and gives me God’s power to move forward.
Part of my learning experience has been to grow in my attitude about money. It is hard to move forward with a “poor” mindset. I heard Dr. Laura Schlesinger say one time that some people start off life on a flat surface and are able to build their life from there. Some people start life in a hole that they have to dig out of to get to the flat surface that a lot of people start building from. Digging out of the hole takes a lot of hard work, strength, commitment and self discipline.
We learn by growing, we grow by overcoming obstacles and challenges. Who would I be without the challenges in life? I don't even want to think about that! It's not comfortable for sure but I am definitely a better person because of it!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Before & After Life
When we come into the world as a baby we do not know what we are coming into. We do not have a clue. We come from darkness into light, from unawareness into awareness, from warmth into surprising cold air, from spirit into humanity, from comfort into striving. What do we bring with us: A God given personality and a choice of who we will become.
When death arrives we leave this world and we have no idea what we are going into. Will we be going from darkness into light, from relationships back into spirit, from cold back into warmth, from striving back into what God intended? What do we bring with us: All of the love that we have gathered on this earth and our developed personality that God can use for His purpose.
"Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life." Galations 6:5 (The Message)
When death arrives we leave this world and we have no idea what we are going into. Will we be going from darkness into light, from relationships back into spirit, from cold back into warmth, from striving back into what God intended? What do we bring with us: All of the love that we have gathered on this earth and our developed personality that God can use for His purpose.
"Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life." Galations 6:5 (The Message)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Weeds
I love gardening! We are having a big birthday party for my mom in October so I figure if I start now, working a little every day, I can be ready with a beautiful home and yard. We have let the yard go because of other pressing matters. Wow, what a lot of work but I love to be outside working in the dirt, thinking.
We have these ferns growing in the front planter. They are green and beautiful. As I start to pull some of them out I realize that they are choking out the other pretty plants and more delicate ferns growing there. They are very invasive. When I pull up a clump there are huge roots and these balls attached. I am sure there are more of these under the ground and know that I will be pulling these ferns out forever. The roots are so deep and the core so big that I fell on my rear pulling one out. But I got it!
It looks like these ferns don’t need as much water as the other surrounding plants because of its deep roots. So as they grow larger the other plants get less water, air and sun. Now the area looks a little bare. With patience and some tender loving care I will bring out the California Poppy seeds that I have planted and nurse back to health the other plants in the area.
Like the invasive fern, sin can creep into my life. I don’t always see it at first. Sometimes it is even beautiful. But when I see the results of the goodness in my life being choked out I know I have to do some gardening! I ask God into my heart every day, to fill it so there isn’t room for anything else. He helps me identify the weeds and sometimes I fall trying to pull them out! But He is there to help me back up. I dust off and begin again with renewed hope and trust. I nurture the Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness and Self Control that God has put in my heart. Then I can say “I got it!” I understand your goodness Lord.
We have these ferns growing in the front planter. They are green and beautiful. As I start to pull some of them out I realize that they are choking out the other pretty plants and more delicate ferns growing there. They are very invasive. When I pull up a clump there are huge roots and these balls attached. I am sure there are more of these under the ground and know that I will be pulling these ferns out forever. The roots are so deep and the core so big that I fell on my rear pulling one out. But I got it!
It looks like these ferns don’t need as much water as the other surrounding plants because of its deep roots. So as they grow larger the other plants get less water, air and sun. Now the area looks a little bare. With patience and some tender loving care I will bring out the California Poppy seeds that I have planted and nurse back to health the other plants in the area.
Like the invasive fern, sin can creep into my life. I don’t always see it at first. Sometimes it is even beautiful. But when I see the results of the goodness in my life being choked out I know I have to do some gardening! I ask God into my heart every day, to fill it so there isn’t room for anything else. He helps me identify the weeds and sometimes I fall trying to pull them out! But He is there to help me back up. I dust off and begin again with renewed hope and trust. I nurture the Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness and Self Control that God has put in my heart. Then I can say “I got it!” I understand your goodness Lord.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Best I Have to Give
I heard a preacher tell this joke from the pulpit: A woman came into a room and saw a man looking at her. Every time she looked over there he was staring at her. She finally went over to him and asked, “Why do you keep staring at me?.” He said, “You look like my 3rd wife.” She asked, “How many times have you been married?.” The answer: twice.
I went to a seminar where the speaker spoke kindly of his “1st wife”. He said that he called her that because they have been married for 52 years and they weren’t sure if it was going to work out yet. Ha!
I have been married for 31 years to the kindest man. He shows that he cares about me in so many ways. He says “I love you” every day, lots of hugs and kisses. He likes to bring me things to see the smile on my face. He has poured out his heart in poems for me, built me things and has tried to keep up with my “needs”:)
The most challenging thing in my marriage has not been Jerry. It has been me. Who am I? Not only that but who am I with HIM? When you are single you can figure out who you are by yourself. When you are married you have to figure that out together. I have had a great need for peace in my life. I have let some things go in our life to honor that need for peace in my life. I have acquiesced about money, relationships, how to spend our time…who am I when we are together? I gave my feelings of inadequacy to God over and over and He helped me through many difficult times. I felt that I was lacking in many areas of my life. I felt a need for more education, my BA was not that far away, but I didn’t feel that I could be a great parent AND a great student. So I chose being a great parent!
If I would have chosen to live as a single woman I would have missed out on a lot. I would have been much more selfish than I am now and maybe gone to school but I would have missed the education of a life time learning about people and relationships, raising children, being ME with HIM. I wouldn’t have the pleasure of knowing the most amazing people on earth! Jerry who has given more than he had to give in so many ways, always stretching and growing. Phil, who is the most creative thinker I know with a willingness to share his gift of harmony and be authentic with others. Joella, who has a bright spirit that brings strength and joy to others and a heart that keeps on giving. Paul whos intelligence is outweighed only by his gregarious nature and genuineness that draws people to him. Katie, who blesses others through her gift of writing, her strength of character and intelligence. Cortney who has a strength and maturity beyond her years but is always humble, wise and Gods light to so many people. And of course my four granddaughters: Belle, Gabby, Lily and Juliet – perfect in every way.
I am who I am because of these precious people. And they are who they are because of me. Who could ask for more?
I went to a seminar where the speaker spoke kindly of his “1st wife”. He said that he called her that because they have been married for 52 years and they weren’t sure if it was going to work out yet. Ha!
I have been married for 31 years to the kindest man. He shows that he cares about me in so many ways. He says “I love you” every day, lots of hugs and kisses. He likes to bring me things to see the smile on my face. He has poured out his heart in poems for me, built me things and has tried to keep up with my “needs”:)
The most challenging thing in my marriage has not been Jerry. It has been me. Who am I? Not only that but who am I with HIM? When you are single you can figure out who you are by yourself. When you are married you have to figure that out together. I have had a great need for peace in my life. I have let some things go in our life to honor that need for peace in my life. I have acquiesced about money, relationships, how to spend our time…who am I when we are together? I gave my feelings of inadequacy to God over and over and He helped me through many difficult times. I felt that I was lacking in many areas of my life. I felt a need for more education, my BA was not that far away, but I didn’t feel that I could be a great parent AND a great student. So I chose being a great parent!
If I would have chosen to live as a single woman I would have missed out on a lot. I would have been much more selfish than I am now and maybe gone to school but I would have missed the education of a life time learning about people and relationships, raising children, being ME with HIM. I wouldn’t have the pleasure of knowing the most amazing people on earth! Jerry who has given more than he had to give in so many ways, always stretching and growing. Phil, who is the most creative thinker I know with a willingness to share his gift of harmony and be authentic with others. Joella, who has a bright spirit that brings strength and joy to others and a heart that keeps on giving. Paul whos intelligence is outweighed only by his gregarious nature and genuineness that draws people to him. Katie, who blesses others through her gift of writing, her strength of character and intelligence. Cortney who has a strength and maturity beyond her years but is always humble, wise and Gods light to so many people. And of course my four granddaughters: Belle, Gabby, Lily and Juliet – perfect in every way.
I am who I am because of these precious people. And they are who they are because of me. Who could ask for more?
Saturday, July 24, 2010
The Healer
We had a family cat named JD. He was a good cat, most of the time. He did hit or bite my ankles sometimes as I walked by if he was hungry or wanted something. I began to be aware of where he was and watched him as I walked by to see if he “needed” anything.
He loved being outside and would get in a fight occasionally. Once he came home with a badly injured foot. The vet said to soak his foot in medicine. Soak a cat’s foot in medicine? How do you get a cat to sit still for that? Especially a “needy” cat! What we decided to do was put the medicine in a new, very large garbage can and put the cat in the can to soak. He was resistant immediately. When we took the lid off and picked him up to deposit him in he grabbed the sides of the can – with all four paws, claws attached to the side. It took three of us to get him unattached, in the can with the lid on. Then the screeching started…MEOW! He jumped up and hit the top of the can several times. The next time we attempted to put him in the can was even more difficult but eventually we did accomplish the task. He was healed.
I have seen myself kicking and screaming when God calls my name. Rebelling against the Healer. Hitting my head against an unseen wall. But as my heart is softened and I take a closer look I see the healing power and am drawn to Him. I am healed.
He loved being outside and would get in a fight occasionally. Once he came home with a badly injured foot. The vet said to soak his foot in medicine. Soak a cat’s foot in medicine? How do you get a cat to sit still for that? Especially a “needy” cat! What we decided to do was put the medicine in a new, very large garbage can and put the cat in the can to soak. He was resistant immediately. When we took the lid off and picked him up to deposit him in he grabbed the sides of the can – with all four paws, claws attached to the side. It took three of us to get him unattached, in the can with the lid on. Then the screeching started…MEOW! He jumped up and hit the top of the can several times. The next time we attempted to put him in the can was even more difficult but eventually we did accomplish the task. He was healed.
I have seen myself kicking and screaming when God calls my name. Rebelling against the Healer. Hitting my head against an unseen wall. But as my heart is softened and I take a closer look I see the healing power and am drawn to Him. I am healed.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Strength
I have felt that as a strong woman I did not want to cry – ever. Sometimes I did alone but not in front of people. Just held it in. Lately when I hear a worship song, sing a worship song, take communion or pray tears come to my eyes. It is such an emotional thing to commune with God, to feel close to my maker. I am happy. There have been many times that I felt emotional in church and tears came to my eyes because of unresolved conflicts in my life. Those were not happy tears. My own state of mind belies my attitude. I want to wear a sign that says “I am happy” when joy fills my heart and tears fill my eyes.
I knew a young lady named Sarah Maneses that died of cancer when she was a senior in high school. I met Sarah because our youngest son, Paul, went to a high school event with a group of kids from another high school. Sarah was a part of that group. She had already lost her hair and wore scarves or a wig sometimes. She distinguished herself from other kids her age by wearing lots of bracelets (10 to 15) on her left arm. She wore bright colored tennis shoes – one pink, the other purple - and bright laces. I could tell right off that she was very imaginative and creative. She had a smile that lit up the room! She and Paul hit it off right away and they spent time together off and on over the next few months. I had the opportunity to spend some time with her as well. A high school friend had introduced her to Jesus and she fell in love with Him! Her faith was so evident. She was excited to tell everyone about Him. I remember as she got weaker she was in a wheel chair and her facial muscles didn’t work. A group of us went out to lunch after she was baptized and Sarah wore a sign that said “I am happy” on her chest because she couldn’t smile. That made all of us smile! And of course she wanted everyone in the restaurant to know that she was just baptized. What an angel!
The next few months were very difficult for Sarah and the strongest young woman I know became weaker and weaker. I had the opportunity to pray with her and read Ecclesiastes which she loved. She was a great inspiration to those who were a part of her life. She is in the arms of God now and I’m sure God is using her imagination and creativity for great things there!
So when you see me in church with tears in my eyes, I may not be wearing a sign that says “I am happy”, but rest assured I am happy, worshiping with all of my heart, feeling close to God and others who are already with Him waiting. God’s strength is shown in our weakness.
I knew a young lady named Sarah Maneses that died of cancer when she was a senior in high school. I met Sarah because our youngest son, Paul, went to a high school event with a group of kids from another high school. Sarah was a part of that group. She had already lost her hair and wore scarves or a wig sometimes. She distinguished herself from other kids her age by wearing lots of bracelets (10 to 15) on her left arm. She wore bright colored tennis shoes – one pink, the other purple - and bright laces. I could tell right off that she was very imaginative and creative. She had a smile that lit up the room! She and Paul hit it off right away and they spent time together off and on over the next few months. I had the opportunity to spend some time with her as well. A high school friend had introduced her to Jesus and she fell in love with Him! Her faith was so evident. She was excited to tell everyone about Him. I remember as she got weaker she was in a wheel chair and her facial muscles didn’t work. A group of us went out to lunch after she was baptized and Sarah wore a sign that said “I am happy” on her chest because she couldn’t smile. That made all of us smile! And of course she wanted everyone in the restaurant to know that she was just baptized. What an angel!
The next few months were very difficult for Sarah and the strongest young woman I know became weaker and weaker. I had the opportunity to pray with her and read Ecclesiastes which she loved. She was a great inspiration to those who were a part of her life. She is in the arms of God now and I’m sure God is using her imagination and creativity for great things there!
So when you see me in church with tears in my eyes, I may not be wearing a sign that says “I am happy”, but rest assured I am happy, worshiping with all of my heart, feeling close to God and others who are already with Him waiting. God’s strength is shown in our weakness.
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