Reading has been something I have grown to love. I used to love reading when I was really young, but somewhere around the age reading was required I lost the desire. Now as an an adult, my sole purpose in reading is not for a story (though I enjoy a good story from time to time), but for inspiration, learning, and growing. I’m constantly looking for how to get better in life- be a better servant, a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, etc. What a better way to learn than by reading?!
Over the last 5 years or so, I’ve developed a desire for writing. Most of that desire has been fueled by leading small groups for women and identifying ways to help them grow in their own life. I hope one day I can inspire others through writing in the same way I am inspired by things that I have read. I have no idea what the future holds for me in this area, but I do know that whenever I hear the question, “If you could do anything for God and not fail what would it be” (& I have heard/read that ALOT lately) my answer is always to be a writer (through blogging, magazines, books, whatever).
I also know that becoming a writer doesn’t just happen, there’s a lot to learn about the process. A couple years ago I was looking for active things I could do to help myself in this area when I read this quote from a book (don’t remember where, but it has stuck with me ever since), “Good writers are good readers.” Ever since I read that quote I knew that’s where I had to start. I have always wanted to be a good reader (especially in college!), but I just never could stick with it consistently. Lately, the “good reader” part of that quote has started to become a part of me. It’s not something I’m forcing myself to do to become a good writer, it’s something I’m doing because I really enjoy it! Because of that, now I have a little hope that the first part of that quote might actually come true one day.
A couple weeks ago I finished 3 books: Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus (the book my small group studied), The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, & Teaching to Change Lives by Dr. Howard Hendricks.
All of these books are excellent and I have had to give myself a little break to let it all sink in. I want what I read to actually change me- not just give my another book to check off my list. I will post a recap of all three soon so that I can process it all better.
What have you been reading lately?
A couple weeks ago was Lily’s 3rd birthday, and something I like to do is make my girls’ birthday cakes. So a couple weeks before Lily’s birthday I searched online for the perfect cake for my soon to be 3 year old- a princess I might add!
Now, what is important to know about this whole ordeal is that I am no baker nor am I skilled in the art of cake decorating- two things that are helpful when setting out to bake the “perfect” cake.
I purchased all the ingredients (and accessories) to make a princess/castle cake and two days before the big day I got started- I figured if I totally screwed it up I would still have time for a redo. While alternating the flour and liquid mixture into the mixer I had a realization about how we approach life- yes, a spiritual moment as a white cloud of flour was forming around me (no the cloud wasn’t God or anything, just my inabilities to alternate dry/liquid correctly).
Here it is: The only reason I was going through all this work (& STRESS!) was because I wanted to give my little girl a pretty cake that I made- not because I like to bake/decorate cakes. For me, there was nothing enjoyable about the experience- just a lot of stress within about 48 hrs. I think we often approach life the same way- we want the results without going through the process.
In other areas for example:
I have a huge desire to connect with God more deeply in prayer, but, just deciding one day that I want to be a great prayer warrior isn’t going to turn me into one. There is a process in getting there, and unless I submit myself to the process I will get frustrated with the results.
I want to be a great writer- one that inspires others to know God. But again, if I don’t allow myself to be developed, it’s not going to happen.
I can think of many more examples, but I hope you’re getting the point. Oh and if you’re wondering- I still don’t feel called to be a baker. So, yes I will continue to go through a lot of stress when birthdays come around because I don’t want to go through the process of being a great baker. Maybe I will get it eventually (I have many years ahead of me) or maybe just buy a cake? Probably not.
I wonder, what areas are you wanting results? What process do you need to go through to get there?
Here are my results?
The face said it all for me!
The cakes- not perfect, but I was pleased.
That’s what it’s all about. All the stress and all the work is worth seeing people’s lives changed for God. South Bay’s 1st baptism service was yesterday and it was powerful! These moments are proof that God IS working here in this city and NOTHING can stop Him.
Andy preached a powerful message on the meaning of baptism. Again-powerful!!!
Below are some of the stories of how God is working here.
Baptism 09 from South Bay Church on Vimeo.
This past Sunday was Compassion Sunday at South Bay Church. We’re in the middle of a series called “My Upside Down Life” and this past week we talked about finances. We talked about how our lives (and finances) are completely changed when we focus on what we can give rather than just on what we can get. At the end of the service we gave our church the opportunity to sponsor a child through Compassion International. Out of the 20 children we had, 17 were sponsored!
Compassion International is a wonderful program that significantly impacts the lives of many children all over the world. Filipe and I began sponsoring our little boy, Jossiel, in 2004. Jossiel is from the Dominican Republic. What is so special about our relationship with Jossiel is that we had the opportunity to go to the DR during the summer of 04 and meet him- in person! Meeting him was so special for us, and we have enjoyed writing and receiving letters from him ever since.
This week, in the blogger world, I have been following a Compassion Blogger Trip to India.
I can’t seem to read one blog without tearing up- it’s pretty incredible all the things they are seeing and experiencing first hand. Having been face to face with poverty in countries such as the Domincan Republic and Brazil, I know that what they are seeing is life changing.
One of the stories that hit me the most was this post from Anne Jackson. It was these words that jumped off the page.
“I asked our translator to ask him what he wanted to be when he grew up.
Maybe it’s the idealist in me, but I think that’s my favorite question to
ask children. Their potential is beyond anything we can imagine.What came out of his mouth surprised me.
Nothing.
He didn’t say a word.”
Not having a nice home- I can understand. Not having the finest food- okay. BUT not having a DREAM- I just can’t handle that.
Sponsoring a child does much more than provide the basic food, clothing. It gives them hope and allows them to dream.
Wow is all that i could say when i saw this…
INTRODUCTION OF JESUS from LAWRENCE SHERMAN on Vimeo.
