I know, I know, I’m a little slow. But I have to let new ideas spin around in my head for a few days before I can actually do something with them. Plus, I figure whatever is still left standing a few days later must be what God wanted me to really take away.
(My own commentary included!)
Andy Stanley- Having peace in uncertain times.
Understanding this concept as a leader was huge for me. I never quite knew how to be confident about uncertainty, but now I think I’m getting it. Being clear is essential, but being certain is not. This is something I can work on and put energy into. Communicating things clearly is so important to me and I know I can work on this and do better.
Also, flexibilty is important. This isn’t as hard for me because I thrive on change. Andy also said, “Plans change, the Vision remains the same.” Love this.
Craig Groeschel- I was taught so I thought…
“The power of the GOSPEL changes lives- trust this!”
“People don’t just want practical. There are unchurched people who are more spiritual.” Again- the power of the Gospel.
Don’t be about building a church, be about building HIS kingdom. Big difference! I love seeing pastors who get this and aren’t afraid of “losing” people to extend God’s kingdom. Satan loves nothing more than seeing us fight over each other rather than united together.
Line 3 believers- “I believe enough to give my life to it.” When we get to this place, the power of the Spirit of God is unstoppable.
Ravi Zacharius-
This was the first time I heard him, and this guy made my brain hurt it was so good. Excited to start reading his stuff.
Morality- “What you celebrate you encourage.”
Erwin McMannus- Unleashing the hero within.
I love Erwin’s passion for people to find God’s dream for them. I have a similar passion for that in women and love hearing Erwin speak about this. Sometimes the dreams God puts in our hearts seem so far away or impossible, but we must fight to make it happen. He will help us do it if we’re willing to go for it.
Rick Warren- Interviewed by Andy Stanley
Reminded again of why this man has so much influence- he’s VERY wise!
When it comes to scheduling- “Divert Daily, Withdraw Weekly, Abandon Annually
“Focus on ENERGY management more than time management.” This was so freeing for me- thank you Rick!
“Never stop learning.
Never compare.
Never give up.”
The church should focus not on its seating capacity, but on it’s sending capacity. Jesus took his followers from a “Come & See” follower (unbelievers) to the “Come & Die follower (disciples).
Francis Chan
I love Francis’ emphasis on the Spirit of God. He talked about the difference between exegesis and eisogesis- focusing on God’s Words not on our ideas. Great insight.
Perry Noble- Ez. 37
“The size of the vision God will give me will be directly related to the amount of discomfort I am willing to endure.”
“Prepare for a move of God, don’t plan for it.”
“Finish what you’ve started.”
There were many more great communicators, but this is what is still ringing in my heart. Good Stuff.
I’ve been feeling a little discouraged lately- not too sure why. Maybe just an emotional thing mixed in with the pressures of motherhood. Whenever I’m in the midst of a season like this I try to figure out what God is trying to teach me or where He is trying to take me. It’s as if spiritual growth is close behind. In the midst of it, I see God so clearly. Looking back over the last 3 weeks or so I see how God is moving in my life to remind me of Him and to guide me (or push me) in a new direction. Here is how it has been playing out for me.
Week 1. Joy
No not the fruit of the Spirit. But, a young woman named Joy. She came with a mission team here to our church to help us prepare for Easter weekend. Joy is an incredible women of God with an amazing testimony and so passionate about Jesus. Talking to her about it is like talking to a girl who has just married the love of her life- she is ecstatic about their relationship! She shared her testimony at my small group that week and I was so challenged by her. Challenged to be closer and more intimate with God. When she spoke I could sense the Holy Spirit being in every word that came from her mouth. After being with her I felt as if I was with Jesus.
Week 2. The Shack by WM. Paul Young
I started reading The Shack the first week of this month but had to set it down for a little while. I just wasn’t ready to keep reading- I felt a little paralyzed by it. Easter Sunday I picked up the book again and read almost continuously till it was done. For me, the book was incredible. It gave me such a desire to be with Jesus and know God more, and personally anything that prompts that desire is a good thing!
Week 3. Catalyst West
Today we just returned from the Catalyst West conference and WoW is the best word for it! For me, it was what my spirit needed. Within minutes of walking in to the worship I was sobbing before God. It felt so freeing to be broken before God, to cry out to Him in the ways I had been desiring. A worship setting like that is so meaningful for me. Just being in the presence of other Christian leaders is so refreshing. I felt united with the Body of Christ- like we’re all in this together. Along with the worship, the speakers brought the Word! They challenged and inspired like crazy. The best part of it is that God was worshiped and honored. I believe His Kingdom with be expanded because of it.
It seems like God has been taking me on this journey of desiring Him to finding Him in a whole new way and at a whole new level. I love that we can encounter God in so many different ways just so we can learn more about Him. I’m excited to see where he continues to guide me.
How have you encountered God lately?
Anyway, Easter was awesome! Being in the beginning stages of a church plant made Easter much more exciting in a different way this year. The main focus for us was the 2 services we held on Sunday morning- from inviting everyone we could think of to organizing enough volunteers to run the services.
Lily & Cailyn waiting to get their eggs
Getting 2 girls to look at the camara at the same time (& smile!) is nearly impossible!
Take 22- still no good. Someone is always unhappy.
Lily
Cailyn
Cailyn- my bunny!
Family picture.It can be easy after becoming a Christian to get used to hearing the Gospel message presented. I have a feeling that we probably often become callous to it. I know I have in the past. I’m learning that God desires our hearts to be humbled whenever we hear of or think about what He did for us on the cross. The magnitude of his sacrifice is enormous. It seems the closer I get to Him, the more and more I realize how incredible it really was.
Following Jesus is the biggest decision we could ever make in life- our eternal destiny lies in that single decision. With Jesus, our lives have purpose and meaning on earth.
For those who do follow Jesus, we should be mindful of that decision every day. Remember what Jesus did for you. Jesus, being fully God and fully man came down to earth, lived a sinless life, and died a sinner’s death- so you and I could be free. He paid the debt of my sins so that I wouldn’t have to. Why? Because of love. He did it for you to.
I love the words to this song by Phil Wickham, True Love. I didn’t know how to link just the song, so I found a great video that goes along with it. Enjoy.
Phil Wickham – True Love (The Wall) from
Dan Stevers on Vimeo.
Come close listen to the story
About a love more faithful than the morning
The Father gave his only Son just to save us
The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the Fathers broken heart
Tears were filling heavens eyes
The day that true love died, the day that true love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn’t move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that true love died, the day that true love died
Search your hearts you know you can’t deny it
Lose your life just so you can find it
The Father gave his only Son just to save us
Jesus is Alive
He rose again.
The last 6 years have been the most breathtaking, incredible, crazy, wonderful,
thrilling years of my life!Life with you has been full of joy, the occasional sorrow,
and quite often like a wild adventure ride.With you, life is fun, challenging, enlightening, and never boring.
Your passion for God is so beautiful. You are an incredible husband, an amazing dad, and an inspiration to many.
I feel honored and blessed to be your wife.Our lives have gone through many different seasons now and no matter how exciting or difficult,
I know without a doubt that life is so much better with you in it.I love that we can share this adventure together.
I adore you.
Mandy
