Preparations

Are you ready the storm?  

It is coming, well they think it is coming. It is going to snow, or freezing rain, well maybe. We seem to be ok with such vague outcomes when it comes to the weather. Maybe we are just used to it. It is always good to be prepared...  That just makes sense. We prepare for weather. We prepare for the birth of a baby (Christmas reference get it).  But what about other things? Am I prepared in my spirit?  My eternity? Don’t really think about it all that often but then again it doesn’t make the special storm 2009 news cast. 

I want to be prepared to fully worship the Christ. Those kinds of preparations don’t take place at the store but in my heart. Making room for Him, connecting relationally with Him, and quieting the noise of my life so I can hear Him. 

I guess I have some preparations to make. This is one event I don’t want to miss!

Jeff

Time

I had to go to Tigard, Oregon today. No big deal. I was told today at 8:15 am that I needed to be there at 9 am. Right! Like that was going to happen with Portland traffic. So I was twenty minutes late. As a percentage of a day - a small amount... As a percentage of a lifetime - hardly worth mentioning... But oh how people did!

I could have got all "Hey man give me better info and you'll get better results!" or blame it all on dumb drivers in Portland. Instead, I took this moment in time to just show grace: "Sorry I am late. I know your time is valuable, how is your day going? Will you get to spend any special time with family and friends during the holidays? Enjoying the sunshine?"

I guess it is how we spend the time that matters not how we count it. No matter what, time will pass and the day will end. What will you reflect on? Will it be the traffic or the connections with the people God puts (and he does put people in our path on purpose in case you were wondering) in your path to show grace to, love to, kindness to? Sounds like a Jesus thing to me. I think I read about that... He gave His presence... Himself. Good things to follow.

Have a great time... I mean day.

Jeff

Soup

Doesn't soup always sound good on a cold day?

I grabbed a cup with Shelley at Panera for lunch. It's interesting to look around at people- large groups, small groups, young, old, loud, quiet. Some on business, some for pleasure... and some alone.  That struck me... Alone. Seems so un-Christmas doesn't it?

Soup seems to be a dish designed to be shared. Come on, you make it a pot at a time after all. I am looking for opportunities to breakthrough the "alone" thing with an invitation to share... I don't know what? Coffee, laughter, questions... maybe soup! How about you? Are open to an opportunity to breakthrough the "alone"? Good question to think about over a bowl of soup...

(it was tomato for anyone who was wondering)

Jeff

Blogging again

I have decided to start blogging again. The reason is God is doing so much all the time and feel the need to acknowledge what He has done and to share the story with you all.

1. God is really speaking to me about Real Life and the days to come. Man, exciting stuff!

2. I have been so moved to listen to the stories of God working in peoples lives during this series. This week is going to be so powerful: Prince of Peace in real life.

3. Fusion (youth group) is amazing! A great group of students and leaders... 40 some coming!

4. leadership growth for 2010- can't wait.

I really do plan to blog regularly .

Talking about God not me and thankfully serving Him,

Jeff