I had a large post mostly written…

I went for a drive to get coffee, saw a kid… post deleted, new post written.

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Has anyone heard of the term “If you make your bed, sleep in it”? This is what me and my wife are going through right now. As you may remember, I wrote a post six weeks ago about money. I confessed to you the massive debt load we are under, and that we are fighting to get out. We didn’t really gain any traction, so we dumped a car. 4% of the world have a single car, never mind two. But we saw another opportunity, and next week we are moving into a townhouse with Mike McKee, a great friend, and all in all our expenses will be cut about $850 a month.

But for us, it’s not about the money. It’s about how much clutter we found in our 100-year-old apartment. I cut my wardrobe in half, Tabitha cut hers in a third. We’re getting rid of dressers, couches, comfy chairs, and shelving units. We’re giving away vacuum cleaners, cans of paint, and lawn chairs. And we have never used any of it.

We are spoiled rotten in the Great White North. Did you know that over well over the people on the planet today can’t afford to eat today, and yet we can walk into a Montana’s, and pay to have someone make our food? That just makes me SICK! We  have to respect the privileges that Christ gave us. It’s not like you’re evil if you eat at Montana’s, or the Big Wing Sandwich at Turtle Jack’s (praise Jesus for Big Wing Sandwiches) but just think of your clutter. Of your house, appartment, or bedroom. How much stuff do you need?

What can you use to give to others and use for God’s kingdom. Any stories are welcome.

Aaron

I don’t know about you, but there is something beautiful about a well laid out buffet that warms my heart.  All that selection presented before me and I get to be the creator of my own customized meal (not that I’m a control freak).  On our recent vacation to California our friends took my wife and I to a place called Hometown Buffet.  To say that it was a remarkable experience might not be too strong of a phrase.  Maybe that was because we had a 2 for 1 coupon (I do like deals) or it could have been a result of getting to try Strawberry Fanta for the first time [side note: if this same opportunity presents itself to you, do yourself a favour and chug that back].  Regardless, it was a delightful meal that left me satisfied in my belly region.  Read the rest of this entry »

We all have weaknesses, areas of our life where we don’t  believe that anything can work through us. God teaches us otherwise, though. And it is through a man who orchestrated the release of Israel as slaves.

In Exodus 4, God tells Moses to stand up to Pharoah, the leader of Egypt, and tell him to let the Israelites go free. The problem was, ending slavery in Egypt would shatter the Egyptian economy. Moses answers like many of us would in Exodus 4:10:

“Oh Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” (NLT)

Moses used his shortcomings as an excuse to get out of what he saw as uncomfortable. In verse 14 it states “Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses.”

When we don’t live out our callings we are actually being disobedient to God. This makes Him burn with anger. When Moses decided to follow God’s calling on him, his leadership resulted in the Israelites escaping Egypt … and walking through the Red Sea, which was split in half. Pick up the phone, answer God`s call. He will work miracles in your life.

Aaron

Jay’s Note:

This is the first guest post from James Kelly. He’s a good friend and a great ministry partner in my life. You’ll be seeing him around here a lot more in the near future. Enjoy.

My wife and I were watching Batman Begins the other night and when we heard the quote “It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me” I asked her what she thought and she replied, “It’s totally contrary to the Gospel. It’s not what we do that defines us, it’s who Jesus is and what he has done for us.” Both Karen and I agree what we “do” is extremely important, but we believe what we do will come from who we are “underneath.”

I believe who we are underneath should define what we do. Far too often we ignore the deepest parts of who we are. Far too often we push who we are underneath the surface aside. What we believe. Why we believe it. Our deepest hurts. Our deepest joys. Our passions, our past, and our dreams. It’s these things that make us who we are underneath. It starts with who you are, and when you start dealing with that, you start doing.

A question I ask myself periodically is this: if I were to die tomorrow how would I want to be remembered (defined)? Currently, I would hope for four things: humble, disciplined, passionate, and a serving, inspiring leader. Some people tell me I’m passionate.  The others…not quit. But knowing I am weak in these areas help me focus on what I need to change.

How would someone define you today? Does that match up with how you desire to be defined? Take a minute and think about it.

Who you are underneath should ignite passion into action.

Deal with who you are right now. Write out a few ways you want to be defined and set out a realistic action plan to move towards becoming that person.  If it is humility, start reading about Jesus. Read books on humility and take actions to reflect on your prideful self. If it is discipline, find someone to hold you accountable to your time and stick to your plan! Whatever it is, you can’t just wait for life to change you. You need to change life!

If you think everyone would say great things about you and you believe you are exactly where you want to be, you have some serious pride issues and need to deal with those.  Its time to deal with “truly you” and then start watching your passions ignite into action.  Think it out. Write it out. Do it!

James