The Funny Thing About Writing a Book

Written by on March 28, 2012 in Blog, Spiritual Dryness, writing - 5 Comments

the book in it's first stages

The funny thing about writing a book, about sweating and bleeding all over the pages, about waiting and wanting a book contract, about spending hours on edits and publicity dates and marketing plans and pre-orders and social media and speaking engagements…the funny thing about it, is it’s not the only thing.

Writing this book hasn’t changed my life. It doesn’t make me less secure or make me feel more professional. Most of the time I feel like I’m still just a poser, a little girl trying to wear heels and act big and brave. And the funny thing is, many more exciting things have happened in my life since I hit send on that manuscript. My daughter can do a back handspring. My son’s soccer team finally got a win. I’ve been co-leading the congregational prayer at church, which may seem like a little thing but is very significant to my heart for some reason.

I’ve watched young twentysomethings that I love grow in their relationship with God and in their call to ministry. I’ve listened to my own soul, to the stirring and sifting that God continues to do in my life. These things are just as important to me as the words on the page of that almost-done book.

So although I am excited and I will post pictures on Facebook and I will sign books like a grown-up author, inside, I’m still a little bewildered. Still trying to figure out how exactly to live between the highs and the lows of ministry, mothering, teaching and writing. Teetering on the balance point of listening and speaking, of acting and waiting. But the fulcrum of that balance point is always trust. Trusting the God is at work. Trusting that God is on time. Trusting that God will do exactly what he intends to do with this book and with my life.

The distance from my heart to my mouth (or fingers in this case) seems beyond my ability to travel. I can’t get the words to come out of my heart, because they are jumbled up, fear, excitement, peace, nervousness, wonder and cynicism, all bound together, tangled, tumbling over each other, elbowing one another for position, trying to claim priority.

And when that happens, the best thing I can do is be silent. Be with the Lord. Write not for you but for me, not here but in my journal. Read scripture not for you but for me, not for what I can teach but what God will teach me. I must–we all must–feed the deepest places of our souls, the parts that no human can see or interact with, the part that is only spirit and met by Spirit. I expect him to be waiting, ready to do some sorting. And I’m so glad I’m never alone with this wild, tangled heart.

 

Avoiding Grace like the Plague

Written by on March 23, 2012 in Blog, One Word 2012 - 2 Comments

This is the time of the year where most people who’ve chosen their One Word mutter to themselves: what the heck was I thinking?

If you chose a word that would stretch you, that spoke to your soul in a deep way, chances are you aren’t living it out like you hoped. Sure, it would have been awesome to choose a word that already matched my personality, like “impatient” or “driven” or “quick to speak”. I could be writing this post celebrating to you how good I am at being my unfiltered self. Yay! I’d tell you, I’ve done a great job sticking my foot in my mouth, speaking quickly and often, and never, ever being OK to wait!

But that’s not what this is about. It’s about growth, change and reaching for something we long for but need extra attention and effort to make it happen.

And as I reflect on my One Word, Deliver, most of what I feel is failure. I read back on my own posts and I picked Deliver because I wanted to be diligent. I wanted to follow through. I wanted to do everything that God gave me to do with faithfulness and gratefulness and patience. And apparently, that’s not what God meant when he planted that word in my head.

Instead of faithful, I’ve felt fickle. Instead of grateful, I’ve been petulant. Instead of patient, I’ve been anxious. I can chalk it up to all kinds of circumstantial things: not enough time (a favorite go-to excuse), not enough support, a lingering cough, a cancelled day of school. But the reality is, I’ve been torn in my heart and spirit about what exactly God is doing and has me to do. I’ve been vision-less for many things. I’ve been lacking heart in others. I’ve made promises that I haven’t kept. I’ve cancelled on appointments. I’ve not shown up for my friends. I’ve been the opposite of what I’d hoped would characterize my year.

Deep breath. Breathing in truth.

Turns out, when I stopped “delivering” I discovered something else: I avoid needing grace like the plague.

I really like to not need grace for myself. I love to pretend like I give it all the time (and sometimes I truly do), but I just don’t want to actually need it from my friends, from my family, from my work, from my obligations that I don’t keep. I don’t like to show weakness. I don’t want to have a crisis of heart, of faith or of anything in front of anyone.

Deep Breath. Insert God.

Thankfully, when I dive, I dive off the deep end, which makes it difficult for me to do really anything without needing God like crazy. And so I’ve needed him like crazy, praying constantly, finding a space where I can be alone and call out to him like a toddler needs her mama. And He’s delivered. He’s delivered on his promises to set my plans in place (ahem, not just let me do it myself). He’s delivered on his promise to hear me when I call. He’s delivered on his promise to answer prayer (apparently I had no faith at all in his ability to do that, because he’s knocking me over by actually proving me wrong). He’s delivered on his promise to blow his spirit through our home, to give us a sense of His presence in a bold way that we’ve never quite experienced.

I wasn’t expecting failure to be part of me knowing why my word is Deliver. I thought it was about me (which seems to always be the wrong answer). Turns out, Deliver is about what God will do.

God will deliver. He will deliver me from myself. He will deliver vision, purpose and plan and then stand by me or carry me through those plans. He will not be thwarted by my own sin, my own agenda, my own impatience, or my lack of faith. His word stands true regardless of how I “feel” about it from one moment to the next.

He is strong and he is sure. He is power and he is presence. He is real and he is here.

How’s your One Word going? I would love to hear about it! If you’ve written a blog post, please let me know in the comments. Or leave your thoughts in the comments and I will pray for you (I mean it!).

 

 

The Day After

Written by on March 19, 2012 in Blog, Daily Life With Jesus - No Comments

When I was twenty-three years young and starting off my life in ministry, my pastor told me to “never make any major decisions three days after serving on a retreat.” It was one of the best things he ever told me, and I am reminded again about what happens when we truly pour out our hearts to serve.

We end up empty.

This year I’ve taught and traveled more than I ever have before, so much so that when this weekend’s ice breaker question asked “who’s slept in a hotel in the last month?” I had no idea. I could hardly remember where I slept the night before…or the weekend before in Houston, or the weekend before that in North Carolina, or the time before that in DC…or Atlanta…

And I’ve discovered how much I love to serve in this way, to truly pour out my heart all over the pages of scripture and into the waiting eyes and ears of these groups, women and men longing to experience an ancient truth falling fresh into their hearts. Truly looking and longing to be encouraged, motivated, inspired to reach again for the truth of Jesus and to be changed.

But the day after all that pouring…it always, always stinks. I’m reminded of the story in the gospels, when Jesus takes Peter, James and John up the mountain and they experience the sacred, holy, powerful presence of God. And then they come down the mountain to everyone squabbling, harassed, annoyed with each other and with them. And that’s sort of like the Monday after a retreat.

I come home, and although my heart and soul are clear that I have served faithfully and well, my body and my emotions lag behind. I am spent in every sense of the word: weary in my body, weary in my mind, weary in my heart. My emotions do crazy things and I alternately cry, yell and think about changing everything about my life. Every crazy idea I’ve had about living in a commune, working in a corporation, moving to a farm, jetting to California, or homeschooling my kids in an RV comes on the Monday after a retreat.

What I learn in this time is that I am fragile. That although my spirit might be strong for the battle, my flesh is often weak. And there is nothing I can “do” to make this feeling go away. Instead, I just have to “be.” I just have to live in it, and while 95% of me freaks out, the 5% of me, the part I imagine that’s just rocking on a porch swing, calm, the part of me that feels much older than the rest…that part of me just sits quietly, letting the storm of emotions come and go, knowing that  a good meal and a good night’s rest will restore, revive and refresh the rest of me. And I am thankful for Sabbath. I am thankful for forced rest and time away. I am thankful for the restorative presence of nature, of the seasons that remind me that there are times of barrenness and times of bloom.

And I make it from breakfast to lunch to dinner and I celebrate that the sun will set, the day will end, and the Lord’s compassion will be new in the morning. If you are one of the faithful who serve in ministry, who pour yourselves out for children or for youth groups, who preach or counsel…I bet you can understand. And I pray for you, and for me, that God would refresh us in due time for another round of pouring out.

More than Enchanting: A Chat with Author Jo Saxton

Written by on March 14, 2012 in Blog, Guest Bloggers - No Comments

For years I’ve prayed to know women who were smart, strong and leading in the church. And God brought me the Synergy Conference and not one women but dozens who’ve helped me embrace my own call to lead. Most recently, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jo, who, despite knowing a million and one awesome women, has not only encouraged me but reached out, calling me, chatting, spurring me onto the things that God has called me–and her!–to do. So I am so happy to introduce Jo and her first book (published in the US; she’s all famous in the UK) to you!  Here’s a few questions I wanted to ask Jo about leading, ministry and writing a book:

1. Jo–you’ve lead in all kinds of ways, and all around the world! When did you first recognize that God was calling you into leadership roles? 

I was the kind of person who also ended up in leadership  positions, even in my teen years – whether I liked it or not. I would be recommended or voted into roles. I could never work out why.  I always had dreams and ideas, but felt very unworthy of them and lacked confidence. It was during a my Bible College years that I was able to process with mentors that God had been trying to get through to me all my life.

2. What is one of the differences you’ve observed in the American church since moving here from the UK?

In America it seems that its still culturally acceptable to be an active member of a church, and to expect that Christian values should have an influential role in shaping politics and  society.

In the UK  to say you go to church and believe in Jesus is at best seen as unusual, and or worse – just plain weird. And the idea  that the Christian faith would expect to have an influential role in the politics of the day  is not welcome one!

3. Do you think in some sense that all women are leaders? And if not, what qualities do you think are important for women leaders?

I think in some sense we are. We’re more influential than we’re often comfortable with. There is always someone looking at some part of  our lives as an example, . Also the Great Commission applies to every single Christian, not just those with a call to ministry.  We’re  all called to lead others to Christ, to make disciples, wherever we are, whatever stage of life we’re in.

4. What is one of the most challenging things you’ve faced as a leader?

Gosh – so many things come to mind! Leadership is a wonderful privilege, but its tough sometimes! I think the most challenging thing I’ve face and continue to face is  to keep a healthy heart. That means forgiving when people hurt, and say mean things to me and I’d like to cry or slap someone , or both.. It means walking away from comparison and competition even when my insecurities would like to indulge me in an secret smackdown in my heart. It means that when things go really well and exciting  opportunities come my way that I need to remember WHO this is about  - Jesus. In those moments I need to reject the delusions of grandeur self satisfaction, ensure all glory goes to Jesus, and get on with carrying my cross and following Him. Its been really important to have solid raltionships with people who know me well and speak truth into my life, especially when its not what I want to hear.

5. If you could tell women just one important thing about leadership, what would it be?

Read about all the female leaders in the Bible who served God faithfully. They’re part of your spiritual heritage and they illustrate your God given potential.

6. More than Enchanting is a book about influence. What will your next book be about?

 The next book I wrote with my friend Sally Breen. Its called High Heels and Holiness and is a discipling book for Christian young adult women.  We talk about identity, calling,  friends, dating, marriage, sex,  life being a grown up Christian woman in a complex world. FUN!

7. In the book, you talk about a time that your friend Steve asked you this question, “Thirty years from now, and someone stands up to propose a toast about you….what will they say you have done with your life?” So, Jo, what’s your answer? What do you hope it will be?

My hope is that they would say I had a strong marriage, and raised  daughters who had grown into strong Christian women with vibrant God filled lives.  They’d acknowledge the presence of our  big extended family of people who we’ve done life with for years, with some spiritual children who are as close to us as our girls They would say I wasn’t jaded or cynical about serving Jesus, but that I was still passionate, still a visionary.  My husband and  I would have run a fun race together: We’d have led some churches that became centers of mission, serving their cities, and beyond. We’d have  raised up a generation of missional leaders who planted churches around the world, doing way more than we could ever achieve. We’d have empowered  generation of women who didn’t just dream and wonder, but who lived out their call before God. And as they raised glasses, people would wonder at my gravity defying toned arms and  taut abs. Though they’d work out my hair totally was dyed, mind you. After the all the fun  Chris and me would then have a month long sabbatical in Hawaii to prayerfully consider what missional adventure would shape our 70’s. And I’d ask my kids when they were planning on giving me grandchildren.

Jo Saxton is a director of 3DM, a movement/organization helping church leaders make discipleship and mission the heartbeat of the local church. She travels and speaks to leaders all over the country. More than Enchanting is her second book.

I’d love to give this book away to a woman in ministry who’s looking for resources to help her lead. If that describes you, just email me at nicoleunice AT takeheartministry DOT com. First email is the winner!

 

To Celebrate

Written by on March 5, 2012 in Blog, spiritual disciplines - No Comments

Are you a worrier in prayer? Do you bring the worst case scenario before God, drooping your head like Eeyore before him, thinking you can’t expect the best but you can pray against the worst?

Then take heart, and pray bigger. Our God is a God of abundance. He is never short on joy, on presence, on faithfulness. If you cannot pray bigger, pray for more faith. I have realized that I am often a “worst case scenario” pray-er, reacting only to what is hard and not celebrating in what is good. And there is no place  more obvious that He is powerful than in my own weakness.

I fail as a mom every day, but my children celebrated my return home like I was a celebrity.

I always feel like I don’t give enough of my heart, yet in God’s hands it becomes plenty.

I often feel stale in my teaching, but God uses it anyway.

I am stubborn and disobedient, but God shows up and works around me.

This is grace. This is God’s generous provision, time and time again. Grace is fueled by love, shame is fueled by condemnation. One creates in us a desire to be more. One creates in us a desire to hide. Today, choose the best case scenario and praise God even when it hasn’t happened yet. Today, choose his grace and feel your heart stretch and grow, available for more of his love and power.

One of my favorite quotes from Martin Luther sums it up like this:

Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.

Pray for the celebration. Praise in advance. And live in his grace.

Now, some blog housekeeping!

The winner of Renee’s new book, Not Another Dating Book, is Amanda Roose. Amanda, I’ll get that book to you ASAP!

I need another week in the possessions portion of the Seven challenge! We have a snow day today; we are gathering up things to give away, and will be having our own yard sale March 31. The kids are already thinking about where they want to give their earnings away! We will start our media fast THIS Friday March 9th and continue to next Friday, March 16th.

It’s another new month! If you’ve been part of the One Word Challenge, I encourage you to reflect on your word this week and pray big things!

 

The Essential Ingredient to Ministry

Written by on February 29, 2012 in Blog, Leadership - No Comments

This week I wrote a note to our volunteer youth staff. I thought anyone in ministry might find it encouraging, as I believe the main ingredient needed for success in ministry isn’t one we applaud or train for. Here’s an excerpt from that letter:

 

The past few mornings I’ve been reflecting on the word “faithfulness”. The definition for faithfulness has four parts:

1. strict or thorough in the performance of duty

This definition certainly isn’t warm and fuzzy, yet I believe it’s the call of our lives. To be a follower of Jesus means that we are thorough in our examination of our hearts and lives. We are in a constant state of laying ourselves before God; allowing him to “search our hearts.” We are in the posture of believing that we sin; we need forgiveness; and that we aren’t always right. This is the posture of grace: for ourselves and for other people. And it’s also the grit that keeps us going, Sunday after Sunday. It’s the grit that has us drive the kid home even when we are tired; when we smile and offer a hug even when we are annoyed; when we keep sending the text even when we feel rejected. It’s the idea of “call”: the call universally as Jesus followers who live by the standard he sets for us, and the call specifically to youth ministry, throwing open the door of our life to messy, conflicted, emotional human beings called teenagers.

2. true to one’s word

To be true to one’s word means we practice what we preach. If we tell our students to invite friends–we invite our own friends to church. If we tell our students to persevere in affliction–we persevere. If we tell our students to ask for prayer and to pray for each other–we do the same. If we tell our students to seek peace in conflict–we do the same. And above all else, we seek after God. We practice. We practice by trying to read our bibles every day. We practice by praying that God would lead our steps–and then obeying immediately when we hear his small whisper. We practice by seeking our own spiritual growth, through books, articles, podcasts, sermons, worship music, and friends that edify us.

3. steady in allegiance and affection

4. reliable, trusted or believed

To be faithful means to be trusted. We cultivate trust in our students by being present. We come on Sunday and we serve and we ask them questions about their lives because we love them. We come when we are tired and when we are distracted. We seek to be a steady force in their tumultuous lives. We hold their confidence when they say “don’t tell anyone.” We hold their hearts when they feel broken. And we take a deep breath and pray for them. Out loud. In the moment. Because the one thing we have to offer is the ministry of presence and prayer. It’s our only “fix” and that’s a good thing.

5. adhering or true to a fact, a standard, or an original

This is my favorite definition of all, because this captures the idea that we are trying to adhere to a standard. Our standard is Jesus. The one who came with no impurity at all. Who loved fully and unconditionally: all races and religions, men, women and children. Oh, how I long to do this well!

Do we fail to keep all five of these definitions? Of course we fail. Every single day. But we are “strict” in our desire to try again; to accept forgiveness for our own shortcomings. We invite God to examine us, to clean our hearts and minds and to try again. We give up our own agendas and dreams and say to God “thy will be done.” We pray “thy will be done” over our students, over our friends, over our co-workers. We believe that God is at work even in the toughest of circumstances. We keep feeding our minds and souls and cultivating a daily practice of being with Jesus.

Thank you for being faithful. To the call to follow Jesus first, and to the call to work with students second. Someday we are going to have a eternal-long party, celebrating in heaven all that God did, is doing and will do at Hope. Also, in heaven, we dance like we did on Sunday night. :)

 


Reflections on a Challenge; or Why I’m Giving Up Fashion for Lent

Written by on February 25, 2012 in Blog, Causes - No Comments

My go-to look for seven days

I had no idea I would be this happy with this simplicity.

I LOVE clothes. I’ve been laying out my outfits for school/work/play since I was ten years old. I used to carefully select my clothes and lay them out, with hair accessories, jewelry and shoes included. I think if I had my own mannequin, I would have dressed it every night to prepare for the next day.

So although I knew the 7 day clothing challenge would be easier than the food (thank you sweet Jesus that is over), I had no idea how much I would actually ENJOY this week. What shoes will I wear? That’s easy. My boots. The only shoes I’m wearing this week, unless I’m running. Running clothes? Well, I chose my winter gear, so when it was 80 degrees in Richmond this week and I ran during lunch, I was the crazy lady with my pants rolled up to my knees, wearing a long-sleeve dress T-shirt. But here’s the thing: I didn’t really CARE. It was so easy! Here’s my random ramblings on what I’ve learned so far:

1. If I added one or two more items to my list (hello, I need a t-shirt) I could keep this up for a long time and not even mind.

2. I was thinking about getting dressed for a party this weekend (forgetting about the challenge) and it occurred to me that there are so many material things that make me happy. From a pretty bangle on my wrist to a great pair of shoes to a delicious meal, I definitely get joy out of things. And that doesn’t really bother me except when I don’t KNOW that. That’s the deception of our consumer culture. That’s what keeps me always wanting more instead of stopping to be grateful for the abundance I already have.

3. The purpose of a challenge like this–or of giving something up for Lent–or of fasting in any way–isn’t so that we can be proud of our spiritual discipline or claim our great status as followers of Jesus. The purpose of a challenge is not for a mountaintop experience with the Lord. It’s obedience–plain and simple. It’s allowing ourselves to be exposed to ourselves. It’s taking two steps away from our normal lives to ask the question: what do I allow to make me happy? What are the gifts God has given and how do I properly use them?

At the end of the day, this challenge is creating space in me for joy. It’s stretching me to experience the ordinary things of life for what they really are: gifts. It’s a sobering and re-centering experience on the incredible abundance that fills my life–and all of our lives. I don’t know exactly what this will yield in my life going forward. I’m still experiencing it and thinking about it, but I know that an honest appraisal of my life and heart will always yield good in God’s hands.

And hey–if you see someone in a black shirtdress, boots and a Northface jacket shivering on the streets of Washington DC tonight in the 28 degree weather–say hi, and give me your sweater. :)

Monday begins the Seven Possessions Challenge. My entire family will be giving away at least seven items per day for the week. I’m really looking forward to this group-experience cleanout! 

Don’t forget to leave a comment on Renee’s interview for a chance to win her book…I’ll pick my favorite answer and announce the winner Monday!

Next week I’m looking forward to interviewing Jo Saxton. Her book on leadership is rocking my world, and you are going to love meeting her!

For All the Single Ladies…Seven Questions with Renee Johnson Fisher

Written by on February 21, 2012 in Blog, Guest Bloggers, relationships - 2 Comments

It’s one week since Valentine’s. 51 more weeks and it’ll be back again, and some of you are wondering and wishing…will 2013 be my year?

If you are sick of the single scene, sick of “letting go and letting God,” sick of trying to figure out how to do the dating scene and follow Jesus and yet in your heart you keep wondering, Is God going to come through?

If that sounds familiar, then you’ve got to meet my friend Renee. Renee just wrote “Not Another Dating Book,” and I love it. But today you get to meet the woman behind the book AND a chance to win a copy for you or your fav single gal. I asked Renee a few things about life, love and her new book:

shh..don't tell Renee I snagged this off her website. Isn't she beautiful??!!

So, Renee. You are an author who just finished book #2, “not another dating book.” Why did you write this book?
I wrote this book because of two reasons: (1) I was tired of being single and (2) I couldn’t find any books that encouraged my friends and I where we were at in our Christian walk as singles. They either assumed that you were dating or a virgin.

You are also a woman who’s dated around and now a newlywed! What’s the worst date you ever went on?
The worst date I ever went on was with this guy from eHarmony. I didn’t realize he’d turn up to be a creep (not all online dates are bad–I promise). All he wanted to talk about was going back to his place. I’m not proud to say this, but I did–then I got it. Ooh. He only wants me for one thing. I was so naïve that even though I believed no guy would ever like me, there were guys out there who were capable of “liking” me but not because they liked me–if you know what I mean. That’s when I left. I never spoke to him again–thank God!

Now that you have met “the one,” did he seem different immediately than other guys you’ve dated? Or did it take time?
Yes. Marc was quiet and shy, but super deep. I was leading a 20-somethings small group that he joined. We met at my parent’s house (I was 29 and living back at my parents house).
Marc wasn’t like all the scared (sorry) Christian guys I’d met over the past decade of being single. He was a man and wasn’t afraid to pick and choose his words. He wasn’t desperate, nor was he searching for a date. I liked him–a lot, but didn’t think he was interested. When he asked me out I FREAKED out and almost had a heart attack. We still joke to this day that I thought he liked my best friend. Finally, a guy who liked me and wasn’t afraid to chase me.

What’s coming up next for Renee?
I’m super excited to say that my next book is going to be on suffering and how to forgive yourself. I’ve been through a lot–and I mean A LOT. I started writing this book in 2004 when I moved back from a failed missions trip and thought my life was over. I’m so glad God’s taken the time to make me into the woman I am today–and I can’t wait to finally share my entire story in my third book.

Would you consider yourself a romantic?
Always. Even when I gave up hope, I never stopped praying for my future husband. There wasn’t a day that went by during those 12 years, 10 months, and 24 days of being single that I didn’t ask God for my future husband. I’m so glad I waited!

A recent Relevant magazine article said 80% of single Christians have had sex. Do you think it’s just old fashioned to think people can wait for marriage?

No. When God said follow Him, He didn’t give us the option to pick and choose which verses fit our lifestyle best. There are reasons God put boundaries on sex. I’m so glad I braved this subject in “Not Another Dating Book” because someone had too. If you’ve had sex before marriage you’re part of the majority. Instead of the book being so much about my story, I started over 80 dialogues about relationships so you–as the reader, can find your ultimate love story in Christ and make sense of your relationships no matter how broken they may be.

What is one word of wisdom you would give to a single girl who’s longing to be married?
It sucks. I’m not going to lie. All I ever thought about was “where the heck is he?” I could give you a pretty bow-tied cliché, but I won’t. I could tell you to “wait” but I know that’s not what you said to hear. So my best advice is to get your own love story. Cry if you have too. Seek wise council. Get a mentor. Discover your passions. Live your life out loud and don’t be ashamed to love who you are because one day soon hopefully–someone will too!

Wanna win a copy? Leave a message here or on Facebook with the answer to this question: what do you think is the ideal place for a first date? I’ll pick a random answer for the win by Friday!

Stay connected with Renee by grabbing the book, and through Facebook, Twitter and her blog on relationships, Devotional Diva!

 

 

Week Two of Seven: Clothing

Written by on February 20, 2012 in Blog, Causes - No Comments

This video is why, no matter where life takes me, student ministry will always have a special place in my heart: (Um, yes, that’s the worship band in the front row)

This video is also why I took two days off the Seven program. Last week was about fighting back against the excess of food. And it was so hard. I think I “failed” to keep with the plan every single day. It was a difficult week on many levels, but now that I’ve been doing ministry for awhile, I recognize that there are spiritual forces at work, especially before taking a weekend away with 253 people who are longing to experience the greatness of God. And it happened. The week of weariness and struggling and “failure” was worth it. The weekend was special. The hotel didn’t kick us out. The worst physical injuries were a couple of broken toes and one bloody nose. (And that’s saying alot when you are watching seventh grade boys fling themselves off a steep sand dune with absolutely no regard for their safety).

But beyond all of that, there is the unmistakeable sense that God was present. At midnight on Saturday, when I watched a room packed with teenagers, abandoning themselves to the goodness of God. Getting lost in worship, forgetting about themselves and finding the truest sense of life in the presence of their Creator. And when I taught on Sunday morning, I was reminded that God is at work even in our failures. That this life isn’t about a straight upward climb from Point A (salvation) to Heaven. But it’s a winding road with peaks and valleys, and with every joy, every pain, every opportunity and challenge, God invites us to cling. To hold His hand, to let Him take the lead. To run into his arms and rest and even let Him carry us for a bit. And last week reminded me again that I am never old enough, never “mature” enough, never far enough along in leadership to NOT need his grace, his mercy, and his tender, forgiving love. I am thankful for that reminder of what His love is truly about: here’s just one of the songs that captures that from this weekend:

And so today (and for the next seven days), I’m moving on in this Seven study to clothing. Like the abundance of food, the emotional and financial priority I put on clothes is disconcerting. Can I care for the “least of these,” even as I bow down to the gods of fashion? Am I more interested in a semi-annual sale or in the people behind the sale, the women and children from Indonesia or Cambodia or China who manufactured that fantastic sweater or pajama pants or handbag? Later today I’ll post my seven items I decided on over on my Facebook page. I invite you to join me. Pick seven things to wear this week (including jewelry and accessories but excluding underthings). Leave a comment here or on FB listing the countries that those items are from. I’ll do the same.

This week, I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m looking forward to simplifying. I’m looking forward to waking up to the reality of how my clothes get from sewed to shipped to shopped. More than anything, I’m reminded that when we take up the call to Follow Jesus, it’s a decision that can and should effect every sphere of our lives…even our clothes.

On Intentions…

Written by on February 16, 2012 in Blog, Leadership - No Comments

“Intentions are wonderful things. They are the starting points, the defining moments of our lives. But in and of themselves, intentions are wholly inadequate. As a Christ follower, it’s easy to mistake intention for action and stirrings for solutions. . . . But even the strength of my intentions is not an accurate indicator of whether or not I will take the time to act, to put my faith to work, to be the difference that Christ has empowered me to be.”

Nancy Ortberg, Looking for God

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