Conformed or Transformed?

On November 26, 2008, my Aunt found my Uncle "sleeping" on the couch....eternally. At this point, we still don't know his cause of death, but I have been processing over the last few weeks. We went down state early before Thanksgiving to be with my Mom and spent extended time there. He didn't want any type of service or fanfare, so the family didn't even get together.....besides, they are living in Florida for the winter. I have been mulling over a few things in my mind. Here are some random thoughts I'm having.... - I don't like the idea of people milling around my body when I'm gone, but I think it's a healthy thing to do, as it helps people to get together, talk, process and grieve together. - Life here on earth is short. We never know how long we have, so we need to be ready. - Comfort and peace are difficult when the person is "not ready". - Is my urgency to share the gospel when a crisis comes the same as when there isn't a...

Life has been very hectic with the start of school this year. Andrew is in high school and just finished his driver's education. A lot of changes for us. I am finally finished with classes and tomorrow is my ordination ceremony down in Fremont, MI. It feels good to have reached that goal. I started this week with Pastor's Prayer and Fast Retreat down at camp. It was a good time to meet with other Pastors and get to know some of them, as well as the time of meeting with God. Betweeen the retreat and my ordination and my wedding anniversary this month, I have been in evaluation mode. I am evaluating each relationship I have: my marriage....both to Brian and to God, my relationship with my children and also my relationship in ministry. I have been overwhelmed this week by the deep responsibility I carry in each relationship. So, I am evaluating, setting goals and praying for each one. Here are some of the questions I am asking myself: 1. How much time do I spend on thi...

In my Spiritual Formation class with Mark Wilson , I was given these questions and they were very revealing in my own life. I would encourage you to use them in your own devotional time. They are from John Wesley's Holy Club and Loyola, the found of the Society of Jesus. Here is one set of nearly two dozen questions which John Wesley gave to members of his discipleship groups more than 200 years ago. The questions may have their origin in the spiritual accountability group started by Wesley when he was a student at Oxford -- a group that detractors called "The Holy Club." 1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite? 2. Do I confidentially pass on to others what has been said to me in confidence? 3. Can I be trusted? 4. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits? 5. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying? 6. Did the Bible live in me today? 7. Do I give the Bible t...

I received this great list today in an email. Good thoughts for life! Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want. When you say, "I love you ", mean it. When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye. Be engaged at least six months before you get married. Believe in love at first sight. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling. Don't judge people by their relatives. Talk slowly but think quickly. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?" Remember that great love and great achievements...

We have been gone and I forgot to post that there would be no posts....sorry to my faithful readers! But, good news is....I'm back home! Our family went to visit a good friend of mine from the FLAME classes I attend. It's always fun to visit other churches and see how they do ministry and have some time just to sit and talk ministry. Brian and I were able to spend significant time talking (we spent over 18 hours one way in the car!). We need to carve out more time to do that when we are at home. We are seeking what God's good will is. We don't want to settle for something that is just good, but something that is God. We want His good, pleasing and perfect will. It's hard not to make decisions on how we feel. We must go on what we are called to and lead to and follow that in complete trust in the One who is leading us there.

Life is busy and it's so easy to get caught up in all that is happening around you. Continual evaluation is a must. I read a great blog post from Perry Noble concerning this recently. He shares from his heart five important questions that I found very valuable. Read it here .