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Thursday, July 28, 2011

The Beach

This was written while I was sitting on the beach earlier this evening.

As I sit here on the beach thinking about life.  I see the ocean and the waves rolling in.  The mountains in the distance and the fisherman in the cove.  And I think of how different this "home" to me is than the home where I grew up.  Texas is in a drought the whole place is about to burst into flames.  How it is so green and beautiful.  I love them both so much.  Neither is "bad" or "good" just different.

I think of people, how I am hard working, task oriented, blow over people, get the job done.  Others are let's meet the people, see where they are at, worry about the job later, if ever.  Neither is just different.  Both states are in need of so many things.  But they are how God made them.  Just as I need to grow and see the people involved in the job.  God gave me drive it just needs to be tweaked for his ultimate glory.

Two lives, two states, all beautiful, perfect creations, they just all need God's help.  None are all God has for them.  But am I open to the pain that comes with change?  Will I grit my teeth, endure, prevail, and become more like Christ.  Or will I stay stuck in my ways refusing to budge.  Not only being less effective, but hurting the kingdom at the same time.  I am not sure where I am at.  But I am praying for the heart to accept change.
The Beach where I will be serving this weekend

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

A word, a Story, a Meaning, I think

enable |enˈābəl|verb [ trans. ]give (someone or something) the authority or means to do something :
Last week there one of the projects we (I mean the guys) had was to cut down about a dozen trees, de-limb them, cut them into firewood, and haul off the brush.  When this project was started we had two chainsaws that where okay, but just not big enough.  So since I took a small engine repair class this spring and knew a little bit about them I asked if I could tinker with the chainsaws.  So I took them apart, cleaned them up and tinkered with them a little.  After I finished the chainsaws started on the first pull.  It had been taking numerous pulls  to start them before.  I also sharpened an axe, two pick axes, a pair of cutters, and a machete.  This was no easy task either, some of the blades where so dull they where nearly flat where we wanted a sharp edge.  In short I enabled the guys to do their job.   
There are many places in scripture we are reminded to bear each others burdens, support one another, and more.  One of the ones we have focused on while I have been here is how Aaron and Hur supported Moses.  But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. Exodus 12:12Then in Isaiah it speaks of encouraging the tired.  Isaiah 35:3 Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble.  In Matthew 5 we are called to go the extra mile, give the extra coat.  If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. 


All of these verses remind me of what I am called to do. I am called to encourage, enable, support, hold up, serve, and show Christ through my actions. James 2:18 “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” So while I loved being able to one, fix something the guys had no idea how to fix, and two getting to be outside and working hard.  What I loved the most was being able to enable them to do their work.  So wheather it is fixing a chainsaw, helping hook up trailers, cleaning, cooking, or preparing food.  I am enabling those around me.  And it is awesome!