"God never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality and life experiences unless he intended to use them for his glory."
-- Rick Warren
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Inadequacy
Do you ever feel inadequate? I sure do. Although I try to concentrate my life on the obvious gifts God gave me, I still have to get places (no sense of direction) and eat (can't cook). A sense of embarrassment keeps me from listing all the other things I can't do.
When I focus on the things I can do (talk, listen, encourage), it helps me focus and be more productive. That feeling of inadequacy though, reminds me to surrender and pray. For instance, someone asked me to do something recently that made me feel uncomfortable. It wasn't anything immoral, illegal or out of bounds, just not something in my experiencce that sounded like a fun way to spend time. What made me feel inadequate was that I didn't have the words to explain in a kind way why I didn't want to do this.
Fortunately, God has put friends (and a smart mom) in my life who talk me through situations like this and give me wise counsel. They then remind me that we don't have to be adequate... we only have to serve the One who is.
When I focus on the things I can do (talk, listen, encourage), it helps me focus and be more productive. That feeling of inadequacy though, reminds me to surrender and pray. For instance, someone asked me to do something recently that made me feel uncomfortable. It wasn't anything immoral, illegal or out of bounds, just not something in my experiencce that sounded like a fun way to spend time. What made me feel inadequate was that I didn't have the words to explain in a kind way why I didn't want to do this.
Fortunately, God has put friends (and a smart mom) in my life who talk me through situations like this and give me wise counsel. They then remind me that we don't have to be adequate... we only have to serve the One who is.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Independence
July 4th--This year, I look at the birth of our nation through a different lens. First, in the past year, I've watched the HBO series, "John Adams." You can buy it or rent it now, and I recommend it. Sometimes it's easier to learn history when you visualize it. Seeing our American story, you appreciate the sacrifices our founding parents made to create this great democracy.
Second, I am working with a man from Australia, who loves his country, but after 20 years here, decided to take his citizenship test. Seeing how hard he has studied and how proud he was to pass the test remind me of the gift I received by simply being born here.
Sure, our country has its challenges. But look at the amazing opportunities, the tremendous resources and the terrific people. We are blessed to be Christians first and Americans second. Let's celebrate the gift of democracy and the freedoms to speak, assemble and worship.
God bless America!
Second, I am working with a man from Australia, who loves his country, but after 20 years here, decided to take his citizenship test. Seeing how hard he has studied and how proud he was to pass the test remind me of the gift I received by simply being born here.
Sure, our country has its challenges. But look at the amazing opportunities, the tremendous resources and the terrific people. We are blessed to be Christians first and Americans second. Let's celebrate the gift of democracy and the freedoms to speak, assemble and worship.
God bless America!
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