a life...

They say men only have a certain number of words they use each day.  I was going to use some quip here, relying on sources easily found in books and on the web, about differences between the number of words men and women use. But, alas, a little fact checking led me to avoid such a quip. It turns out, like most things, our pool of “wisdom” is not based on any substantive research.  We would like to pride ourselves on relying on research; but actually I would say we just want to find someone else who has said something that agrees with what we are thinking. Or maybe we would just like others to feel the way we do. That is why I continue to get those same emails, the ones snopes disregarded for us in the late 90’s. Some make you cry, but is it true, or just something to make us feel. 

 All this leads me to what I was originally intending to say.  When I sit down at the computer, I find a lack of words.  At least a lack of things I wouldn’t mind being quoted as saying.  So I am back for now, but don’t hold your breath.

I say lets have a conversation with someone we can touch. Then, let’s end that conversation with a genuine wink or a hug or something that no semicolon paranthesis will ever be able to convey.  We are able to feel more than just the small plastic squares with letters smudged from our sweat.  They will remain cold and lifeless no matter how much time we spend with them.  Your neighbor on the other hand…he could use a nice warm word or maybe even a handshake. 

So for now, see you later

I am on the light rail, the public train in Denver, Colorado. I am on my way back from a day of training.

 Talking is a rare commodity. Papers and oblivion to the world, yet keenly aware of others all around.  We seem to be content with not talking, yet have this desire that over takes our self control, usually facilitated by someone else who also loses their ability to remain silent and looking busy, distracted or asleep. Kids often engage others as they have not bought into our incessant need to abide by social norms. 

My experiences this week have again convinced me that the social norms are not helpful. When I feel the Spirit move me to break into someone’s world they seem happy to have someone care enough to make the effort.  I will admit that for me, if I make this my habit even if the “spirit doesn’t move” I am quicker to be obedient when I do hear His still small voice.   

Paul speaks about training ourselves in righteousness. I would dare say that this is what I am referring to with my processing above.  

So, what do we do about this?  I am not saying that we have to share the gospel with everyone we talk to.  I think we just need to be nice and friendly.  One of those morning shows had someone make a challenge… Talk to one stranger everyday.  What a great challenge.  I think this is what I will blog about. I think I have finally found some motivation to write.   

Thanks for taking the time to “hear” my thoughts.

Paul shares in 1 Cor. 9 about how his desire to share the gospel has shaped who he is and decides what he does and does not do. This passage has led to a large dichotomy among believers today.   

With great passion many have sought to “purify” the church, to make her holy while here on earth.  They abstain and preach abstinence for the sake of the weak.  They criticize others who do not abstain with absolution, saying they compromise the gospel for the sake of culture.  The driver of Paul’s actions was a desire that people from. Very different cultures and belief systems could hear and see the Truth.  He was true to the gospel, to that none would argue.  If Paul became like one not under the law, did he continue to be a radical advocate of unequivocal obedience to the law? Did he possibly abide by the law himself, but find ways to be homest and loving to those not under the law?  How did he identify with them? 

I suppose it is good to be light from to time.  Daddy is one of my favorite names.  This little one has the cutest voice when she calls me.  There may come aday when I regret her learning to take me down.  For now, it brings me nothing but smiles!!!!

The circles in which I run often ask the question, “How do you help someone change?”.  Many have posed answers.  Many write case studies about effective ways to see life change happen.  Jay Adams wrote a whole book on it, and his conclusion could be summed up with just a few words.  We can’t, but God can.  He says that scripture can invoke change in someone.   While I disagree with many of his ways of dealing with people, some things are undeniable.  Gaining a new perspective can help someone change, as can significant events.  Ultimately though, if we are going to see substantial life change, it will happen as a result of God intervening.  It may be a loss or a crash or even a birth.  Regardless of the catalyst for the change, in time we will fall back into our old ways if we do not find ways to keep the new perspective that we have.

 I am holy.  This has been the most difficult thing in my life to accept. This is not a result of anything that I have accomplished, but is a reality that has become me because I have given away my right to this life and given control of my dreams, purpose and even vision over to the only one who is Holy without the work of another.  My perspective changed drastically as a result of this understanding. At first I was angry.  Then I was overwhelmed with sadness and ultimately I worshiped.  Change happened when I owned the gift of the scripture and what it has to say about me.  

So, the question for me is not how to help people change, but how to help them live in the reality that they are holy.  Peter told us that we need to be holy because God is holy.  If I understand that I am holy, I will change the things in my life that are not holy.  If I don’t I get eaten up inside by my own hypocrisy.  As we all know, that is not a pretty thing. Who loves a hypocrite?  God does, and I am so thankful.