Cutest kid ever

May 16, 2008 | family, quotes

My daughter’s good friend, LeAnne, has a 2 1/2 year old son named Titus. If there was an award for the cutest kid ever category, I think he would win it. I checked in to LeAnne’s Facebook lately and she had shared some of Titus’ recent sayings. You got to read these. They are priceless.
 

We were sitting on the front porch sharing my ipod.
I asked, “Hey Titus, do you want some ice cream?”
He answered with his eyes closed:
“Just let me listen. I’m enjoying this music”
(John Prine, “Thats The Way The World Goes Round”)

After being asked: “Hey Titus, what do you want to be when you grow up? An architect, engineer…or an artist?” He was building a bridge out of his fort building kit.
He answered: “No…I’m going to help little children cross the street when im a grown-up.” Then finished building his bridge.

He was asked by a friend we had to dinner, “Titus do you work? Do you have a job?” He answered, “My job is to take care of momma.” (more…)

Speaking of writing & speaking. . .

May 1, 2008 | quotes

Have I ever realized that I can bring to God things which are of value to Him . . . Not Divine, colossal things which could be recorded as marvelous, but ordinary, simple human things which will give evidence to God that I am abandoned to Him?” — Oswald Chambers

I started a small group. It is filled with a diverse group of friends, church family, and people from the community who have a desire to write or speak. I plan to teach the basics: how to brainstorm, how to use life experience, how to approach editors, how to tighten your outline or mss, but first I hope to set a foundation.This quote is a perfect example of that foundation. Not just a foundation, but a rock. A sturdy place where we can bring ourselves, our smallest gifts and talents, and watch Him make them great or applicable in his timing and plan. I will never be anything but ordinary in my own efforts, but when I invite God to be the fire and breath and heart of what I do, it goes places I never anticipated, and does a work I could not do on my own.

The response to the group has taught me a lot. Darrin is 31, and he’s discovering he’s very talented. He was once addicted to pornography and the addiction almost cost him his life. (Read his story here.) He wrote a piece called “Eleven” the other night, and it’s powerful. His excitement over this new venture is infectious.

But in addition to the writing, we are also finding friendship. Kari, Gloria, Doris, Karen, Rocky, Lisa, and others are coming together and sharing their lives.

I’m glad to be a part. . .

Discipleship

April 26, 2008 | faith, quotes

Our work begins where God’s grace has laid the foundation; we are not to save souls, but to disciple them. Salvation and sanctification are the work of God’s sovereign grace; our work as His disciples is to disciple lives until they are wholly yielded to God. One life wholly devoted to God is of more value to God than one hundred lives simply awakened by His Spirit.   ~ Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Love this quote. . .

April 11, 2008 | quotes

“Extraordinary communication has little to do with speaking skills, educational background, or preparation. It has everything to do with God showing up. The words of Jesus are impossible to misinterpret: “Apart from me you can do nothing”. What is it about the word “nothing” that we so often have trouble understanding?”

From the article, Extraordinary Communication: Sermons that Go Beyond the Ordinary by Glenn Wagner

This is my hope

March 19, 2008 | quotes

God’s fulness will flow through he tiniest channel that faith opens out on his almighty power. Faith is the open heart towards him, and through the channel of faith Christ lives in and through us. It is not what we do but what God does through us, that counts; and his mighty power, passing through the tiniest aperture of faith, keeps hollowing it wider. –F.B. Meyer

Thought for the day

March 11, 2008 | quotes

Let go of what you think life should be so you can experience the life you have.” - Rhonda Britten, founder of the Fearless Living Institute

A cup of conflict anyone?

February 15, 2008 | quotes

But what is a movie without conflict? Where’s the drama without a mountain of impossibility to climb? The very thing that makes for an exciting story is the same thing that makes for a wonderful and amazing life: overcoming the impossible. Eric and Leslie Ludy. When God Writes Your Life Story: Experience the Ultimate Adventure.

From “Meet Me At the Well”

February 12, 2008 | quotes

Insurance companies tell us to take a video recording of our valuables in case of fire. Those things represent a large investment that will need to be replaced. What is on your treasure list today? Make a list in your journal of everything visible in your home that you wouldn’t want to leave behind. What gives each thing value to you?

Now make a list of invisible treasures. These are priceless. We know that nothing can ever replace what matters most in this life and for eternity. If God calls you home anytime soon, what will you take with you? What will you keep forever?

Knowing which treasure lasts forever and which do not, how will this affect the way you live now? What needs to change? Write it down in your journal and ask God to help you do that. pg. 112, Meet Me at the Well

Meet Me at the Well: Take a month and water your soul by Virelle Kidder

Moody Publishers, 2008

Twentysomething quote

January 10, 2008 | articles, quotes

Basically, we’re coming out of a period of fortressing Christianity. When so much was sweeping into our culture, our parents felt compelled to shelter and protect us maybe, rather than equip us to handle the world as followers of Christ. I also am not convinced that one of the spiritual laws, namely, that God loves you and has a plan for your life was interpreted by its hearers very well.

That statement, by its very nature, conveys an idea of cushiness or maybe an unstated promise that everything will turn out well. when in fact, Jesus says ‘follow me’ and then heads straight for a pile of wood and nails, namely, the cross. So if you think you’re signing up for a cushy faith and get the nailed-to-a-tree kind of faith, then you can’t help but feel like there was a little bait and switch going on, resulting in anger. Anonymous twentysomething believer

From article, Inside the Anger of a Generation by Margaret Feinberg 

Wisdom from children

November 30, 2007 | quotes

If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate. Nikka - age 6