Pick three. I was challenged to pick three people to pray for that were lost. Little did I know how life-changing it would be.
Being illogically logical I analyzed for the perfect three. I decided to pick them in stages rather than more of a luck of the draw.
The first person I chose was someone that had already been asking the right questions, someone who I felt that any day would chose to become "found." I wanted someone that was an easy prayer that would encourage me when he decided to become a Christian. So I wrote down his name.
Then I upped the game. How about somebody that wasn't asking questions but was a good friend that would remain a friend? I could still pray for her and be there to drop hints in hopes that she would want further study. I scrawled that name on a piece of paper and added it to the prayer jar.
Okay. There's nothing like testing God's limits--right? Wrong. The third name was someone special, someone I considered an enemy. This was someone that frustrated me and discouraged me and made me mad just at the sight of her. I wanted no contact with her. I really didn't want to pray for her, but I needed a third name and knew that she was an impossible convert.
Those were the three I picked--and prayed for--night and day never knowing what God had in store. I wasn't expecting great things even though I knew God was more than capable of them. I wasn't expecting God to suddenly soften hearts even though I know He does.
About a month went by...
I received word that the first person on the list became a Christian. I was thrilled, but not surprised. After all, I chose him first because to me he was a given.
That is all I expected. I proved the system worked---praying for three and one decided to becaome a Christian. I kept praying for the other two, but I let God know that I still believed in His mighty power and love because of the one that worked. I settled for the one.
But God wasn't finished...
About a week after the first person became a Christian, I received a phone call from my friend. She said she had been studying the Bible and had some questions. She wanted to know if I would come and have a Bible study with her.
To some that may have been music to the ear, but I was terrified. Because with phone at my ear held by shaking hands I suddenly realized that I might spend eternity with the third person on the list--my enemy.
You may think the story stops there, but it doesn't.
No, the third person is not a Christian yet. She remains in my prayer jar and continues to be brought before God in prayer.
But here's the beauty of picking three: A few years have passed and many prayers have been made. She called out of the clear blue one day wanting me to go to lunch with her.
I did. I soon discovered she wasn't the enemy I was led to believe she was. We had much in common and carried on like long lost friends.
I may have picked three, but God picked four. I don't know if he changed her, but I know He changed me.
I learned that in praying for my enemies, I learned to love them. I learned that no matter how bad they are or how bad I think they are, they are significant to God and He still wants to save them.
And I learned that when I pick three, God can change the hearts of them all and He might just pick you.
And I learned that no matter what, to always pick Him.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Friday, May 20, 2011
Hope in the Debris
A clock stopped at 8:45 p.m. A CD hidden under piles of brush showed no signs that a brutal tornado had sent it soaring like a flying saucer to worlds unknown. An artificial Christmas tree branch camouflaged itself under pine tree branches that had broken from the mountain pines. The house that stood on a concrete slab seconds before had only debris as proof a house ever existed there. Family members were injured. Some didn’t make it.
The recent storms in the southeast were like nothing ever seen or felt. One thing was for certain—our lives were changed forever.
But this is not about the tragedy or devastation of it all. One need only to click on any of the media outlets for visual proof.
This is about the debris.
This is about the hope found in the debris.
Examples:
A man was interviewed that had his house burned down in the fall. He had life-threatening heart surgery in the winter. The “new” house he lived in before the storm was reduced to nothing more than a "dirt" spot with no grass growing as evidence that something had actually been there. The interviewer asked him how he felt. He replied that he had his coveralls covering his body, a hat on his head, shoes on his feet and food in his belly. He then smiled and with sincerity said that he was a blessed man.
Then there’s the man who lost almost everything who said that he was able to get up in the morning and give his loved ones a hug. He then asked the reporter to ask him what more could he ask for?
Many cling to the pictures and memories wishing that time would rewind. Then there are those that walk amid the rubble and find hope.
Finding hope speeds the recovery and rebuilding process. We are eternal optimists and eternal-home dwellers. We have discovered that some of the things destroyed were just things and that the important things dwell within us. We have discovered that we are victims only as long as we allow ourselves to be and for as long as we look for only the destruction in the rubble. We have discovered that the most precious ones we love can be taken at a blink of an eye before we even have a chance to crawl in the bathtub and use our bodies as a shield to protect them. We have discovered that angels come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and abilities. But they all have big hearts.
And we realize that many years ago when the Son of God hung on a cross, that God could have sent a tornado to destroy the world, and the world would have been gone—just that quick. But then there would not have been any hope in the debris for mankind.
The recent storms in the southeast were like nothing ever seen or felt. One thing was for certain—our lives were changed forever.
But this is not about the tragedy or devastation of it all. One need only to click on any of the media outlets for visual proof.
This is about the debris.
This is about the hope found in the debris.
Examples:
A man was interviewed that had his house burned down in the fall. He had life-threatening heart surgery in the winter. The “new” house he lived in before the storm was reduced to nothing more than a "dirt" spot with no grass growing as evidence that something had actually been there. The interviewer asked him how he felt. He replied that he had his coveralls covering his body, a hat on his head, shoes on his feet and food in his belly. He then smiled and with sincerity said that he was a blessed man.
Then there’s the man who lost almost everything who said that he was able to get up in the morning and give his loved ones a hug. He then asked the reporter to ask him what more could he ask for?
Many cling to the pictures and memories wishing that time would rewind. Then there are those that walk amid the rubble and find hope.
Finding hope speeds the recovery and rebuilding process. We are eternal optimists and eternal-home dwellers. We have discovered that some of the things destroyed were just things and that the important things dwell within us. We have discovered that we are victims only as long as we allow ourselves to be and for as long as we look for only the destruction in the rubble. We have discovered that the most precious ones we love can be taken at a blink of an eye before we even have a chance to crawl in the bathtub and use our bodies as a shield to protect them. We have discovered that angels come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and abilities. But they all have big hearts.
And we realize that many years ago when the Son of God hung on a cross, that God could have sent a tornado to destroy the world, and the world would have been gone—just that quick. But then there would not have been any hope in the debris for mankind.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
5 Reasons You Should Attend a Writer's Conference
The lobby is like a jigsaw puzzle with 300 people trying to figure out where to go next. Books go from one hand to another and tables piled with printed material decorate the area. You stand there and it occurs to you, "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all."
Many conferences take place each year for writers of different genres. A good writer's conference offers a nourishment to the writer--the kind that feeds the soul and brings new life to the fingers that perform the special magic on the keyboard.
So why should one spend the money on a conference?
I have been going to conferences for several years and have come up with five reasons why every writer should consider going to a conference.
You learn something. If you have written the next best seller and want to know as much as you can about the craft of writing, a conference is the place to be.
You network. Always take business cards with email information with you. Distribute them to everyone who will take one.
You market your work. Memorize a one or two sentence pitch that tells about your book and be enthusiastic when others ask about it which they do at a writer's conference. Market yourselfr. That markets your work. Participate in the workshops by commenting or contributing to discussions. Be personable and friendly. Editors and agents want authors that peiople will like and that will connect to the readers.
You meet with specific editors and agents that might have an interest in publishing your manuscript. If you do not have one ready now, set a goal to have a manuscript finished by the conference. Take advantage of the opportunity.
You get to hang around with those that are like-minded. There is a comradery. You find a place to belong with people who have something in common with you.
Conferences are where we can learn from the best, take our best with us, be our best and show and tell to others about our best.
If you haven't ever considered attending a writer's conference, research one in your particular genre and consider making the investment. Conferences help to feed the writer inside of you.
Maybe I will see you there.
Paula
Many conferences take place each year for writers of different genres. A good writer's conference offers a nourishment to the writer--the kind that feeds the soul and brings new life to the fingers that perform the special magic on the keyboard.
So why should one spend the money on a conference?
I have been going to conferences for several years and have come up with five reasons why every writer should consider going to a conference.
You learn something. If you have written the next best seller and want to know as much as you can about the craft of writing, a conference is the place to be.
You network. Always take business cards with email information with you. Distribute them to everyone who will take one.
You market your work. Memorize a one or two sentence pitch that tells about your book and be enthusiastic when others ask about it which they do at a writer's conference. Market yourselfr. That markets your work. Participate in the workshops by commenting or contributing to discussions. Be personable and friendly. Editors and agents want authors that peiople will like and that will connect to the readers.
You meet with specific editors and agents that might have an interest in publishing your manuscript. If you do not have one ready now, set a goal to have a manuscript finished by the conference. Take advantage of the opportunity.
You get to hang around with those that are like-minded. There is a comradery. You find a place to belong with people who have something in common with you.
Conferences are where we can learn from the best, take our best with us, be our best and show and tell to others about our best.
If you haven't ever considered attending a writer's conference, research one in your particular genre and consider making the investment. Conferences help to feed the writer inside of you.
Maybe I will see you there.
Paula
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Week 50 - Take Advantage of Sales
With school opening doors very soon, many retailers have school supplies on sale. This is a good opportunity to stock up on those items frequently used in vacation Bible school. Even if you do not know a theme or the date, the sales at this time of year are usually worth it.
Below is a list of items to consider.
Pens - Whether it is name tags or writing names on papers, one usually needs pens. Make sure there are plenty.
Glue/glue sticks - If crafts are a part of vacation Bible school, consider stocking up on this.
Markers - A very popular item needed by volunteers. These are used for signs, name tags, and other labels. Buy mostly black, but blues and reds are good to use. I am big on color-coding many things, so I like to have the different colors.
Crayons/washable markers - Even if these are not used in crafts, the younger children (ages 2 and 3) can use them for coloring. One option is to have coloring sheets available for all of the children when they arrive to keep them busy until time to start.
Sticky stuff for walls - Many signs and pictures are hung around the building during vacation Bible school. This is a good time to get whatever makes the signs stick to your walls.
Paper - Will copies need to be made? Will construction paper be needed? Make sure to get plenty of paper.
This is just a partial list of some items to be considered for purchase during the big sales at this time. If there are any of these items left after vacation Bible school is over, they can be put in a supply room for use by teachers at other times.
Vacation Bible school may not have been planned yet, but it is not too early to save with a bargain.
Happy shopping!
Below is a list of items to consider.
Pens - Whether it is name tags or writing names on papers, one usually needs pens. Make sure there are plenty.
Glue/glue sticks - If crafts are a part of vacation Bible school, consider stocking up on this.
Markers - A very popular item needed by volunteers. These are used for signs, name tags, and other labels. Buy mostly black, but blues and reds are good to use. I am big on color-coding many things, so I like to have the different colors.
Crayons/washable markers - Even if these are not used in crafts, the younger children (ages 2 and 3) can use them for coloring. One option is to have coloring sheets available for all of the children when they arrive to keep them busy until time to start.
Sticky stuff for walls - Many signs and pictures are hung around the building during vacation Bible school. This is a good time to get whatever makes the signs stick to your walls.
Paper - Will copies need to be made? Will construction paper be needed? Make sure to get plenty of paper.
This is just a partial list of some items to be considered for purchase during the big sales at this time. If there are any of these items left after vacation Bible school is over, they can be put in a supply room for use by teachers at other times.
Vacation Bible school may not have been planned yet, but it is not too early to save with a bargain.
Happy shopping!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Week 51 - Ask
Our vacation Bible school has just ended. What a marvelous experience it was for me. I asked one of the children there what his favorite thing was at vacation Bible school. His face just beamed. He said, "I like it all!"
This wasn't because of one person. It was because of God and the team effort in unity of those many volunteers.
This week is "ask" week.
Ask God to guide you as you lead others. I want to feel His presence and see Him in everything that is done.
Ask others who have just finished vacation Bible school what the best thing was and what problems were encountered. The worst thing will tell me what problems to handle before the next one. The best thing lets me know what people will remember and what they will tell others. Sometimes the easiest way to do this is through an evaluation form--a simple one.
Ask yourself if it brought you closer to God. Then ask yourself how you can become even closer to God and bring others closer with the next vacation Bible school. If stress is a factor, then evaluated ways you can manage the stress.
Ask others for help next year. It is not too early. One can form a small planning committee to begin to work on it. In all my years of volunteering, whether it was for vacation Bible school, another Christian service, PTA or any other activity, the number one reason I found that people did not volunteer is because they were not asked.
The volunteers will make it happen. One wants every attendee to say "I like it all!" The child who said it me confirmed it with the smile on his face. And when we sang the song about joy being in my heart, I knew he meant it. I did.
This wasn't because of one person. It was because of God and the team effort in unity of those many volunteers.
This week is "ask" week.
Ask God to guide you as you lead others. I want to feel His presence and see Him in everything that is done.
Ask others who have just finished vacation Bible school what the best thing was and what problems were encountered. The worst thing will tell me what problems to handle before the next one. The best thing lets me know what people will remember and what they will tell others. Sometimes the easiest way to do this is through an evaluation form--a simple one.
Ask yourself if it brought you closer to God. Then ask yourself how you can become even closer to God and bring others closer with the next vacation Bible school. If stress is a factor, then evaluated ways you can manage the stress.
Ask others for help next year. It is not too early. One can form a small planning committee to begin to work on it. In all my years of volunteering, whether it was for vacation Bible school, another Christian service, PTA or any other activity, the number one reason I found that people did not volunteer is because they were not asked.
The volunteers will make it happen. One wants every attendee to say "I like it all!" The child who said it me confirmed it with the smile on his face. And when we sang the song about joy being in my heart, I knew he meant it. I did.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
52 Weeks of Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible schools are designated blocks of time--days, hours, weeks--designed to energize and encourage each other no matter what the age to draw closer to God. They usually have themes, heavy promotion and a lot of planning.
If you have never been involved, you are missing out on one of the most fun ways to work together as Christians and to draw closer to each other and Christ.
No matter what your age or the amount of time you can devote, you can participate.
Even though the suggestions over the coming weeks are recommended for certain weeks, they can still be done in a timely manner if done at other times. These tips serve as a guide and a checklist in your own planning. They are based entirely on the author's experience as a volunteer in the last 40+ years and as a vacation Bible school coordinator for many years.
Week 52: Thanks and Organize Props
Vacation Bible School is just 52 weeks away. I can hear the sighs now. "We've just finished VBS. I don't want to even think about it for another 51 weeks."
But doing just a few simple things can prevent a lot of stress later on in the year.
If you are a leader, as soon as vacation Bible School is over start following up with those who have attended. Send cards, letters and make phone calls, if possible, to the visitors. Thank them for attending. Let them know times of services, programs available, and courses of study offered at your church. This is not a job for one person. Have other volunteers to help with this task. Make it a personal follow-up and not a "form" letter that does not have the attendee's name on it. Ask those individuals who may not have had other opportunities to participate or who are confined to home to help with this task.
Vacation Bible School may have just ended for the summer, and things are being put away. Spend some time organizing and making an inventory of props and supplies. Be detailed when possible on location. The location may just be a particular room, but that will help you know where to look when you look for it the next time. If items are borrowed from members or others, record where and who you borrowed it from for future reference. Of course, if you haven't already, send the lendee a message of thanks.
Don't forget to thank those who volunteer. It does not matter how much time a volunteer devotes to vacation Bible school or what is done, everyone who participates needs to be thanked--and soon. The longer one waits to send a note of thanks, the less needed a person may feel.
A parent or a child who participates or visits can send a note of appreciation to the congregation or leave a comment on the website.
Finally, thank God for what was accomplished and ask Him to be with you in preparing for another one.
May God be glorified!
If you have never been involved, you are missing out on one of the most fun ways to work together as Christians and to draw closer to each other and Christ.
No matter what your age or the amount of time you can devote, you can participate.
Even though the suggestions over the coming weeks are recommended for certain weeks, they can still be done in a timely manner if done at other times. These tips serve as a guide and a checklist in your own planning. They are based entirely on the author's experience as a volunteer in the last 40+ years and as a vacation Bible school coordinator for many years.
Week 52: Thanks and Organize Props
Vacation Bible School is just 52 weeks away. I can hear the sighs now. "We've just finished VBS. I don't want to even think about it for another 51 weeks."
But doing just a few simple things can prevent a lot of stress later on in the year.
If you are a leader, as soon as vacation Bible School is over start following up with those who have attended. Send cards, letters and make phone calls, if possible, to the visitors. Thank them for attending. Let them know times of services, programs available, and courses of study offered at your church. This is not a job for one person. Have other volunteers to help with this task. Make it a personal follow-up and not a "form" letter that does not have the attendee's name on it. Ask those individuals who may not have had other opportunities to participate or who are confined to home to help with this task.
Vacation Bible School may have just ended for the summer, and things are being put away. Spend some time organizing and making an inventory of props and supplies. Be detailed when possible on location. The location may just be a particular room, but that will help you know where to look when you look for it the next time. If items are borrowed from members or others, record where and who you borrowed it from for future reference. Of course, if you haven't already, send the lendee a message of thanks.
Don't forget to thank those who volunteer. It does not matter how much time a volunteer devotes to vacation Bible school or what is done, everyone who participates needs to be thanked--and soon. The longer one waits to send a note of thanks, the less needed a person may feel.
A parent or a child who participates or visits can send a note of appreciation to the congregation or leave a comment on the website.
Finally, thank God for what was accomplished and ask Him to be with you in preparing for another one.
May God be glorified!
Friday, May 14, 2010
What's Your Excuse?
What's your excuse?
Moses had plenty of them. He claimed to be a nobody. The Lord convinced him that he was a leader to free the people. And look what happened.
Peter was with Jesus during His ministry. Yet when asked if he knew Jesus, Peter disowned our Lord not once, not twice, but three times. God forgave him. He went on to preach on the day of Pentecost. Many were baptized.
Saul plotted evil things against Christians. He persecuted them. Yet while traveling down a road with plans of evil, God softened his heart. There went Saul's excuse.
I know I am not worthy. I sin. I want to hide in shame. I am stubborn.
But if God can take these people with all of their faults and imperfections and mold them into people with hearts on fire with His love, God can do the same for me.
If I just let Him.
No excuses.
I know I am not worthy--but He died for me anyway.
I know I sin--but He has forgiven me.
I know I have struggled with a hardened heart at times--but He has softened it with His love.
I am all out of excuses. Whatever excuse I think I have for not trusting God, for not living a life of service for Him, was taken care of years ago--on a cross!
Moses had plenty of them. He claimed to be a nobody. The Lord convinced him that he was a leader to free the people. And look what happened.
Peter was with Jesus during His ministry. Yet when asked if he knew Jesus, Peter disowned our Lord not once, not twice, but three times. God forgave him. He went on to preach on the day of Pentecost. Many were baptized.
Saul plotted evil things against Christians. He persecuted them. Yet while traveling down a road with plans of evil, God softened his heart. There went Saul's excuse.
I know I am not worthy. I sin. I want to hide in shame. I am stubborn.
But if God can take these people with all of their faults and imperfections and mold them into people with hearts on fire with His love, God can do the same for me.
If I just let Him.
No excuses.
I know I am not worthy--but He died for me anyway.
I know I sin--but He has forgiven me.
I know I have struggled with a hardened heart at times--but He has softened it with His love.
I am all out of excuses. Whatever excuse I think I have for not trusting God, for not living a life of service for Him, was taken care of years ago--on a cross!
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