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Women Encouraging Women to Follow Christ
Spotlight on Denise Anderson
 Denise is someone who is a bit hard to "spotlight", mainly because she doesn't, (or perhaps can't is a better word) hold still long enough to have the spotlight trained on her! What a busy mom! Denise is wife to Neil, and mother to Steven-16, Hannah-15, Elizabeth-12, Olivia-6, and 4 year old twins, Samuel and Rachel. Add a dog, 3 cats, a chinchilla, and whatever else you might to the mix, and you have a rather active household! Then sprinkle in some part-time work as a nurse for Hospice of Holmes County, volunteer work at church and in her children's schools, and a passion for young people that drives her participation in the Circle of Friends "GIRLFriends" ministry. Mix this all together and add the most important ingredient - God's grace - and you get a wonderful wife, mother, and friend to every age group there is!
I first saw Denise at a soccer game about 8 years ago. She and her family had just moved back to Ohio from Colorado. Little did I know that God had a plan for us to work in ministry together some day, but first He needed us to meet one another. That didn't take too long as we have daughters in the same grade at school. It was our daughters and their friends who drove us to put together the first "Girls Night Out", and it'' been quite an exciting ride since then!
Most of the plans that are developed for the GIRLFriends events are by phone - that's what happens when you bring together two moms with 11 children between them! But every once in a while we do take the time to sit down - just bring the pot of coffee and some big mugs, and we're good to go - and work out some details. It was at one of these brainstorming sessions that I finally cornered Denise long enough to shine the spotlight on her life...
I know Denise as a fervent prayer warrior, passionate lover of people of all ages, smiling friend, and creative volunteer; but what brought her to this point in her life? Denise describes her "Aha!" moment as happening on the day that her mother passed away. As her teenage heart was broken and crying out to God, she felt a "kiss" from her mom on her forehead, and she knew, without a doubt, that her mom was with God, and God was there with Denise. Growing up in church Denise always "knew" about God, but God became REAL that day.
Fast forward to her first year of college, alone in her dorm room, Denise again was crying out to God, recognizing how alone she felt in this world, missing her mom, and realizing that she was on the very edge of depression. In that moment she felt His physical presence, wrapping His arms about her and keeping her from falling over the edge.
With those experiences still at the forefront of her mind, is it any wonder that Denise desires to convince young people how loved they are by God.
Life has given Denise many opportunities, but the most precious in her eyes was the opportunity to care for her Grandfather Weiss during the last six months of his life. Given her husband's blessing and her children's cooperation, she was able to move him into their home and care for him until he took his last breath. Months later her twins were born. Denise recognizes God's love, grace, mercy AND timing are perfect, and all that we will ever need!
This busy mom resembles the energizer bunny in many ways (except looks =), but even she enjoys her "down" time. When asked where her favorite place to visit or be is, she responded, "in a mountain setting, cool, quiet, sitting at a table with coffee, and family and friends".
Denise Anderson, lover of God, lover of life, lover of people - and a great addition to your Circle of Friends.
Labels: Beth
Change
Our computer system at work got the latest and greatest update last night, which meant we were seeing a lot of that 6 letter word none of us like...change. "This screen looks funny!" and "They changed the colors?!" and even a big "Uuugggggggghhhh" was muttered as we all logged onto our computers and started the day. (Okay, admittedly, the last one came from me!)
Ask my mom, change has never been something I was ever up for. When she got a new kitchen table, you would not believe the grief I gave her. I was quick to point out that it did not match her cabinets and share that I really did not think it looked good at all in the room - when it really looked perfectly fine. How dare she take away the table I had sat at every night for as long as I could remember, eating her delicious dinners? Sure it was old, wobbly, and beat up from three little kids doing everything imaginable on it...but to get a new table? Well, that was just ridiculous! And when my parents were kind enough to buy me a new bed when I was 15, despite the fact that it was much more comfortable, I slept on the floor that night in rebellion.
I've since grown a little in that area. When my parents got me a new bed when I got married I was very thankful this time! But I'm still not one that goes out looking for change.
It would happen that just moments after typing that last sentence a few days ago my life has pretty much turned upside down. My husband called me to let me know the huge change coming our way - he had lost his job.
Now, here I am, faced with the challenge of believing what I was going to say a few days ago, that when the big changes come our way we can trust the God that never changes. With all the questions, doubts, fears, and worries I'm staring at right now, will I look to the One who is constant in my life to hold me steady? Or will I let the uncertainty of the future shake my faith? It's here where the rubber meets the road as they say.
I hate changes in my life. I hate going through them, I hate the hardship they bring. But every time I look back over what felt like a broken path, I see the beauty God made of the mess I had made it through. As difficult as the situations are that come, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that those changes are the ones God uses to shape me and mold me to make me more like who He wants me to be.
So am I ready for this change? No way. Is my heart where it needs to be? I only wish. I know I will struggle with this in the days and weeks and months to come until our lives are "settled" again. But I can rest in the hope I have that all this lies in my Heavenly Father's capable hands.
And in the moments when the changes scare me, I'll curl up in His lap comforted by the knowledge that He is always the same.
EmilyLabels: Emily
Confessions of a Peace Lover...
College daughter #1 (Leah) is home for a short time before she heads back for the final stretch. Last night she said "Mom, do you want to take a walk tomorrow morning?" So we did, and we've just arrived home from our walk...my legs are tingling, my heart got a good work out, we got caught up on all the news AND we found asparagus along the way. It was a productive morning! Thanks to the asparagus find our dinner time veggie dilemma is solved. Now to decide what kind of meat to go with the asparagus and cheesy potatoes she requested.
I love a good brisk walk with good brisk conversation; it's my favorite form of exercise. (Before you think I'm a fitness nut let me assure you I'm not - exercise and cleaning toilets have about the same level of anticipation for me; necessary but definitely not on my top 10 list) I try to walk regularly (depends on one's definition of regularly of course) but a walk with a friend is still my favorite. Perhaps it's because I'm so into multi--tasking - it makes me feel SO productive! When I can combine that which I know is necessary but don't LOVE (exercise), with something that is not only necessary and I LOVE to do (conversation with friends) it is a win-win!
Life is like that, there are certain tasks that are so hard to get motivated to do, but if a friend is part of the equation it makes it much easier. Wallpapering and painting are on that list for me; and frankly, back when I began the same could be said of reading the One Year Bible. I don't know if I would have continued without my accountability group - specifically Andrea - encouraging, motivating, making me do it! It was a spiritual exercise that that I tried to do fairly regularly (yes, depends on one's definition of regularly) but other things caught my attention, and typically the loudest "voice" always caught me first. God seldom chooses to yell at us, He just patiently waits...and divinely places people in our path to encourage and motivate us along the way. It might just be why it says in His word that "“two are better than one..." He's had the accountability thing figured out the whole time! Go figure!
Do you have a story about a motivator in your life? That's what our "Friends Spotlight" is all about. It's a time to show your appreciation for the un-sung hero (or heroes!) in your life. I encourage you to send us your story. Who knows, in telling it you may even become a motivator for someone else!
One last thing...the Baby and Family Fair...what a great day! Kevin Lehman did not disappoint; funny, practical, wise, and down-to-earth. And his Hawaiian shirt made him pretty easy to spot! The whole event was well organized, well attended, (although next year we might pray for rain, I'm sure the beautiful weather kept many who would have enjoyed it away =) well represented by organizations and vendors who are all about the things pertaining to families. I'm sure it will be back next year, and you won't want to miss it!
Until next time,BethLabels: Beth
Dandelions
 What makes a dandelion a weed and not a pretty yellow flower?
It depends on who you ask.
 Naturalists and herbalists will tell you that it's an herb - good to eat (high in beta carotene) and healthy for your liver. You can use them to make dandelion tea (or wine!), eat the greens in salads, boil or saute them, dip them in batter, or eat the flowers. It is also reported that the milky white sap is a good remedy for warts, moles, pimples, calluses, and relieves bee stings and blisters!
(The things you learn through 'googling' amaze me.)
 If you talk to a homeowner trying to grow a thick, green lawn - those pesky little yellow things are definitely weeds. Especially when the plant goes to seed - each with its own parachute - and flies off to perpetuate itself.
Ask a child, however, about that same 'ball of fluff', and they will tell you it is the best kind of fun and wonderment in the world!
There's a good illustration here, don't you think? It's all about perspective. How we see things. Our view is often skewed by circumstance, experience, beliefs. And certainly by our self-absorption. If we're looking at something - or someone - through our own perspective it's easy to get it wrong. But looking at it through the lens of God's Word helps to keep us balanced - His Truth helps us get it right.
I noticed something the other day about these 'perennial, herbaceous plants' that I later confirmed in my research. They seemed withered - as if their full bloom had taken an assault by the rains that came to our area. I found out that they are extremely sensitive to weather conditions. In the sunlight they stretch out broad and plump to the warmth and light, but when it clouds up or rains they pull in on themselves, folding their yellow petals the same way we might wrap our arms around ourselves in a cold wind. They close up at night, and stretch out in the morning.
 They also sheathe themselves into a tight bud when they are fully matured - until their seeds push their tuffs of hair out into a silky ball. I'm not sure how all that relates to perspective, except that it does remind me that each of us are individuals, with our own opinions and beliefs. It might shock some of us, but there's not a one of us that are always right, all the time. In fact, most of us are mostly wrong! However, 'love covers a multitude of sins' (1 Pet 4: 8, Prov 10:12) and God's Grace covers the rest! I have felt like a dandelion at times - usually when others belittle me. I wonder if my own words have been the cause to wither someone else? Words of encouragement and understanding are warm and uplifting - and like the sun on a dandelion flower they build people up, stretch them out to grow and share their beauty with others. Words that are critical are as sharp as a physical blow and make people respond by withdrawing into themselves for protection. Weeds are irritants, nuisances, something to remove so beauty can shine through. Flowers bloom and grow in beauty, they lift the spirits, add joy and are delightful to behold. Weed or flower in other's lives - which are you? All for Him Missy Labels: Missy
Friends Spotlight on Faith Jones and Sharon Buccitelli
Behind the scenes at Circle of Friends are some pretty special ladies. Meet my friends Faith and Sharon, who both have a vital part in the leadership of COF...
 This is Faith Jones. She is a clinical counselor, licensed social worker, certified traumatologist, and consultant to the COF board. She partners with COF as the Director of New Beginnings Christian Counseling at the Sugarcreek office. Faith is also a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. We are blessed to have her on our leadership team.
If you know Faith, there's no doubt she has brought joy and laughter to your life! "Fun" totally describes her. Her wisdom, humor, and great love for the Lord have blessed friends and clients alike. Her hobbies include mission trips, choir and church activities, antique hunting and playing with her grandson.
Her 'perfect day' includes being on a secluded beach with the waves washing over her, sitting in the sun, or perhaps wading in a cool mountain stream. Her spiritual 'life lesson' that God has been teaching her is that God loves her unconditionally and His strength is made pefect in her weakness. She finds encouragement in lifelong friends, listening to praise and worship music, and reading the Psalms. Faith is also a member of COF's speaking team and has shared her story of God's faithfulness through great loss and difficult trials. One of her friends describes her this way, "She's an emotional plumbline when life gets out of focus. She's not only an anointed encourager, but a skillful practitioner who uses her biblical foundation to bring perspective, healing and hope to those who come into her care. She tells the truth, in love, and presents practical, obtainable steps to meet goals pertaining to emotional and spiritual health." I couldn't have put it any better!
Meet Sharon Buccitelli. She is our receptionist at the COF office. She has been a great help not only in the office, but also at our events. Her sweet smile and willing servant's heart are an encouragement to all of us and her administrative skills keep us organized. She is an anchor to us in the sometimes chaotic busines of Circle of Friends - we are so thankful to have her on our leadership team!
Sharon is a faithful and devoted friend, a wonderful wife to Mark and mother to Zakree. When she was little she wanted to be a Veterinarian and ended up driving the limo/hearse for a funeral home! She has known the Lord since she was fourteen. Sharon's friends describe her as 'loyal', while she would say she is the type of person who perseveres. Both prove a mainstay in the life of others as God uses her to reach out and minister to all kinds of people.
Someone has put it this way, Sharon is "tenacious in business practice and tenacious in prayer. She's been such an incredible addition to COF and New Beginnings. But more important than her ability to run a tight ship, she has an incredible heart of compassion for hurting young people and has been sowing healthy seeds into the hearts of many."
Her 'perfect day' includes family and friends. She loves taking a packed lunch and going on hikes. (Sounds like that's where 'persevering' comes in handy!) Sharon is someone you can count on and we truly do that at COF.
God loves the pure-hearted and well-spoken; good leaders also delight in their friendship. (the Message, Proverbs 22:11)
Both Sharon and Faith are women who pursue God with a passionate fervor. They are women of kind and gracious words and pure hearts. They bring so much to our circle - adding a depth and dimension that enriches our lives. Thanks for all you do, ladies! Labels: Missy
Just Bein' Me...
Have you heard Francesca Battistelli's song called 'Free To Be Me'?
 Many of us struggle
 With worrying about what others think of us.
 With how we look, or how we act.
 But the truth is...
 God made each of us unique
 And special.
 And no matter what anybody else thinks
The greatest joy comes from being ourselves...
Just the way God made us to be
With all of our peculiar gifts and abilities
And our own individual personalities...  Even if others don't quite 'get' us...
Be Free - to be you.
All for Him Missy Labels: Missy
One Of These Days
Okay, I just had one of those cool, hit me like a bolt of lightning, stopped me dead in my tracks, kind of revelations. It probably won't seem nearly as profound to anyone else except me, but still I thought I'd share.
It came to me because I was sitting at my desk, looking at my calendar, and realizing that my birthday was exactly one week ago. And it kinda bummed me out, because it means I have 51 more weeks to go. I like my birthday. Well, if I'm being honest, I love my birthday, and it's really more like a "birth week." I milk my birthday for everything its worth. I don't require a big to do or presents so much as attention, and it's something my husband is unsuccessfully trying to break me of. I really don't know why it's surfaced in the last several years, because my parents never overdid it growing up (although I did have nice birthdays Mom!). So here I am thinking about being sad about my birthday being over and I realized how ridiculous that is!
I'm the type of person that gets depressed before vacation because I already am picturing how sad it is to drive home and get back to real life. I spend my time thinking about how I'll have to be back at work in a week instead of being excited that I get a week at the beach. Or if I'm going to a concert that I've been looking forward to for months, I get disappointed that it will only last a few hours and all I'll be left with is memories that fade too quickly and a ringing in my ears that hangs around too long.
And as I'm sitting here, pondering my problem with the end of things I've been looking forward to, a simple thought came to my mind, something that I've known to be true for a long time...Heaven is forever. What used to terrify me as a child (you know the thought of a never-ending church service FOR ALL ETERNITY) now is exciting, comforting even. The thought of forever and ever no longer scares me, it thrills me.
"One of these days," as FFH sings, "I'm gonna see the hands that took the nails for me." Wow. I'm getting chills sitting here thinking about it. Goosebumps, I honestly have goosebumps right now. One of these days, I am going to stand before the One who suffered and died for me. I am going to spend eternity, forever, an amount of time my mind cannot comprehend, with my Savior, surrounded by countless others praising and worshipping Him. And it will never end, it will never be over, it will never go away. I won't be searching for the next exciting thing to look forward to, or for something better to do, because it is the end all, be all, ultimate place of complete joy.
I don't spend much time thinking about heaven, and now I have no idea why I don't! Life is fleeting; it is a vapor as James says. Why do I spend my time disappointed about the pleasures of life coming and going when I know they will? I should be spending my time looking forward to the eternity that has been promised to me!
One of these days, life will end. And one of these days, I'll be in a place that never will. Emily
Labels: Emily
Confessions of a Peace Lover...
Well, now that I've enjoyed my day of peace and quiet it's back to the real world. I looked at the calendar and the next four weekends are chock full of people, conversation, entertainment and fun! After that the house will be rockin' again as the college year will end and the girls will move their things home. Our second grader announced today that there are 45 more days left in this school year. Unbelievable!
April 25th is an exciting day in Holmes County - the very first "Baby and Family Fair" will be held at the Holmes County Expo Center near Walnut Creek, Ohio, and Circle of Friends will be there! If you don't have the day marked on your calendar you really need to do that now (go do it, I'll wait...) It starts at 9, ends at 5, and will be filled with all kinds of information and hands on activities for parents and kids alike. Dr. Kevin Leman will be the main speaker. I can't wait! I've heard him speak before, he is funny, down to earth, and oh so wise. His books have been a mainstay in my life. In fact, I've purchased quite a few of them but don't have any of them on my bookshelf 'cause I keep giving them to friends to read!
Speaking of giving things to friends to read, I'd love to give you a One Year New Testament! If you don't have one and would like to add God's word to your daily "diet" come see me at the Circle of Friends table at the Baby and Family Fair. I am so excited about this project that I even convinced my boss to help underwrite it! (He is a wonderful man who has encouraged me in my Christian walk, so it really didn't take a whole lot to convince him.) Thanks to his generosity and the generosity of others we will have several hundred to give away! YEA!!! I think I may have mentioned a time or two (or three...) how much the One Year Bible reading plan has impacted my life. I honestly don't know how I would have handled some of the challenges in my life in the past 7 years without God's word hidden in my heart. Does it mean I get it right 100% of the time...no, I'm still oh so human! But it really has changed my life - the connection between our head and our heart is huge, and if we don't get God's Word in our heads how are we ever going to allow it to change our hearts?
One more thing about the Baby and Family Fair...parents may be tempted to come by themselves so they can take it all in, and I don't blame them, but I have a feeling you'll keep saying "oh, the kids would have loved this!" So don't hesitate to bring them along. It's only $5.00 for a whole family to get in. What a deal! Fran Mast and Summer Austin of Kids Collection have done an amazing job of planning this event. It is all about you! It's all about giving parents, grandparents - anyone who loves kids - resources, tools, and lots of great ideas to help them do the best job possible in this most important job ever.
See you there!
BethLabels: Beth
Home
 Growing up, this was my backyard...
There's something about the water that gets in your blood.
Something that, no matter where you go, stays with you. I've lived in Ohio for more years now than I did by Lake Huron, and no matter how much I have come to love these rolling hills and pasture lands, I still long for the freshening of the wind, the sound of the waves, the vibrant sight of a sunset's palette. A chance to go 'home' - or somewhere similar whose sights and sounds can take me back there - is embraced with all the eagerness of a child running to her parents arms.
I went to my sister's for Easter and this is her backyard...
 It definitely felt like home.
 You can see why! Not only was I with family, but the scenery took me back to 'home' - where the heart dwells. So many things can trigger that feeling of security and comfort. Spending special moments with loved ones - sharing memories and making new ones. Smells of my childhood - the aroma of a rhubarb pie or fresh-baked bread - can take me back there in an instant. But the wind, the sound of the surf and the mist of the white caps... They connect me to more than my family and home, they connect me to my heavenly Father. The wind and the water - the colors of the sky - these touch a cord deep within me.
If soaking in the sight and smell of God's creation brings my soul peace, what will it be like to see the Creator face to Face and dwell with Him for eternity? 'Home', indeed!
All for Him, Missy
Labels: Missy
The Law of the Land
I've been hearing these radio ads (I can't remember what for, so they must not be that effective!) using odd state laws. The one that's been on recently tells that one Alaskan state law is that waking a sleeping bear for the purpose of taking a picture is strictly prohibited. Why anyone would want to wake a sleeping bear is beyond me, but I have witnessed a woman trying to put her small child on a wild buffalo, so I guess you never know!
I decided to go looking for more of these funny laws and made a few interesting discoveries. In San Francisco you are not allowed to wipe your car with used underwear (which unfortunately means that's probably been done before.) And don't even think of making an "ugly" face at a dog in Oklahoma - you could be thrown in jail! If you're ever in North Dakota, and decide to take a nap, make sure you take your shoes off first, otherwise you'll find yourself on the wrong side of the law. In Gary, Indiana, anyone who enjoys a piece of garlic bread will have to wait four hours to attend the theater (that one's not such a bad idea!). Want to go parachuting in Florida on a Sunday? Better be married! Unmarried women who go on a Sunday might find themselves sleeping in a cell that night.
Even Ohio has a few of their own. Check your gas tank before driving through Youngstown, it's illegal to run out of gas there. And when you're in Columbus the stores are not allowed to sell you cornflakes.
When hearing these kinds of things, you have to wonder how they ever became a law! Completely ridiculous, right? I have to say; the first time I read through the book of Leviticus I thought the same thing. All the sacrifices - grain offering, burnt offering, fellowship offering and the details that one must follow while presenting an offering completely confused me. I didn't understand why they could only eat animals with a split hoof and that "chewed the cud" and were not allowed to wear any clothes made of two different materials. And all that stuff about what was clean and what was unclean. Women were unclean after childbirth? That's a nice "thank you" for the labor they endured!
Even though some of those things seem unfathomable, we know God had a reason for giving that set of laws to those people during that time. The good news for us is that God has chosen a different way for us - grace.
While I may not understand those "crazy" laws in Leviticus, I understand grace. Well, okay, that's sort of a silly thing to say. I understand a tiny, itty bitty fraction of grace and what it means in my life. It means that nothing I can do is good enough, but a way has been made for me in spite of that. It means I am free from living by a set of rules and free to live my life for my Savior.
Grace means that everything has changed. EmilyLabels: Emily
Friends Spotlight
 Have you ever had someone in your life who felt like an absolute gift from God? Someone who made you feel important like no one else could? My friend, Angie, was such a person. With just a few words, she made me feel like she'd been waiting all day just to talk to me. I just loved that. She had a way about her that made me feel immediately included in whatever she was doing or talking about. We both had four children and sons the same age who were often at one house or the other. Angie and I used to laugh that our boys were all just a part of the other's family. We couldn't even tell there was an extra child or two there, they just blended right in with the rest. Angie was also a homeschooling mom, just like me. We would often call each other lamenting about our struggles of the day or getting advice, ("What worked for you today?" or "How do you deal with this?") and more than once, cried on each other's shoulders. She was a gift from God. She was my very best friend. And this weekend it will be two years since she was killed in a car accident.
Many times since that day I have asked God why He allowed it. Why take someone who was so much to so many - someone who was instrumental in raising her children in a Christian home, who was reaching unwed mothers with the gospel, who was a light to an unsaved father and sister, constantly reaching out to them with the Good News of Christ? Why, why, why? And God has not chosen to reveal His mysterious ways to me. All He asks me to do is to trust Him, to know that His way is perfect, and to realize that He really does know what He is doing, whether I understand or not.
He says in Isaiah that His ways are not my ways, and my thoughts are not His thoughts. Therefore, I do not see things with His knowledge. His knowledge encompasses eternity past and future. My knowledge is only of the past 45 years. He sees the hearts of all people and knows what goes on in them. I see only what the people immediately around me say and do. Reminding myself of these things helps me to remember that He truly is the only One who is capable of "running the show." In my finite wisdom, I might wish to do things differently but the end result would definitely be lacking in perfection. In fact, I'm quite sure it would be a big mess. I can't possibly see all things like He does. His plan is being fulfilled and His final outcome will be perfect.
I don't claim to have the ultimate word on grief or exactly why things happen as they do. I know for a fact that there are people reading this who have experienced even greater tragedies than I have.
But I do know that God alone is in control and that I am to walk on a daily basis with Him, trusting as I go.
Janine Labels: Guest Blogger
Adventures in Serving the Lord...
Why, oh why was there no disclaimer on the paperwork I filled out when I volunteered to help with the youth group at my church? You know something like:
WARNING: WORKING WITH TEENAGERS MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH
In my naivete, I thought it would be easy. After all, I'm not so far removed from those teenage years myself. I pictured my husband and I as the young cool couple that the kids would just naturally gravitate towards.
Him, maybe. Me, not so much.
Do you know how hard it is to engage a teenage girl in conversation? Or the evil look you get when you didn't notice the new haircut? I am constantly worrying if my clothes are cool enough. I feel like I'm back in high school again!
I guess maybe now they're coming around and warming up to me. Slowly. Very slowly.
I have done things as a youth leader that I had never pictured myself doing. I've tried to keep track of a group of boys at night on the streets of downtown Indianapolis begging them not to get ahead of the group, terrified what would happen if I lost one. Now I know why my youth leaders were constantly counting heads.
I spent an evening at an event that was four hours of dodgeball. FOUR HOURS! The game that I dreaded every day of my elementary years. Memories of standing in a corner, an easy target that could barely get a ball over to the other side, getting pelted by all the older boys who never hesitated to send me to "jail," came flooding back through those four hours of a sport I absolutely hate.
I've sat through several awkward talks of God's plan for an intimate physical relationship to be only within marriage that made me blush. And I've tried to appropriately answer the questions that follow! ("Ask your parents that one!")
Most recently, when my husband and I taught a lesson on fear and had our own little "Fear Factor" competition, I cleaned up vomit. I didn't even know that 14 year old kids still threw up! (I mean, outside of having the flu.) Maybe it was a little of our own fault. Eating Spam out of a dog food can might make my stomach turn too, but I promise, he was a volunteer. And the trash can was just right behind him...
And I've only been at this 6 months!
Yep, there have been moments working with the youth group that have been moments where I have felt the most out of place, out of my element, completely unqualified, and clueless about what to do than any other moment in my life.
And I've loved every minute of it.EmilyLabels: Emily
Confessions of a Peace Lover...
Ahhhh...once again our house is quiet and peaceful! But I've come to realize that I enjoy the peace and quiet even more after I've thoroughly enjoyed the hustle and bustle of having all the "chicks in the nest". I think I remember my favorite mother-in-law (yes, I know she's my only mother-in-law, but she's still my favorite! =) calling it a "happy quiet". There is a joy that comes only after the work, and the play, is finished.
It's a bit hard to believe that spring break has come and gone; that Easter 2009 is a memory; that this year is flying by so fast, but time truly does march on and oh, so quickly. Next month we will be celebrating our oldest child'’s graduation from college! And I can still remember what she wore on her first day of kindergarten...
Leah got the best, and worst, of our parenting. She got the best because we were young and had so much time and energy; she got the worst because we were young and so inexperienced! I've always asked God to fill in any ruts we've made with His mercy and grace. I still trust Him to do that. I'd like to say that by the time our fifth child came along we were oh so wise, and had learned from all of our mistakes. We may be wiser, but we still seem to make mistakes. So I continue to ask God to continue to fill in those ruts, it's a good thing His mercies are brand new everyday!
One of the things I've come to love about Leah, especially as she grows older, is her tenacity. (Webster calls it "persistence, stubbornness" and that's what we called it when she was young...now we see those tendencies maturing into what Webster also defines as "holding firmly" to the plan of action that is required to meet the goals she has set) Leah has always been one who will work hard to achieve her goals. When she was younger the goals were a bit more materialistic than they are today. (She got her first job at 15 because she wanted a cell phone and it wasn't part of our family budget at that time.)
I tell Leah that God gave her the "gift" of being in a big family. Her "piece of the pie" grew smaller with each sibling, and for Leah that became part of the process of growing her into an organized, detail-oriented, young woman. She looks at the future and then makes the list of what will need to be done to accomplish the goals she has set for herself.
I hope, trust, and pray, that she will be able to get a job in the field she will have her degree in (education) but even if she doesn't I don't worry about her future plans. She will do something, and God knows exactly what that something is. The thing I know, for sure, is that whatever it is she finds herself doing she will work hard at it.
In our twenty-three years of parenting I have learned one of the big mistakes that can be made is giving our kids everything we never had. In doing so, we rob them of the joy that comes from working hard to achieve their goals, and we set them up to think they "deserve" whatever it is they want. We want to make the path smooth for them - in doing that we deprive them of the satisfaction that comes from stopping to rest, looking back, and seeing how far they've come. The analogy of the butterfly having to work its way out of the cocoon in order to be able to fly is so true!
The challenge for me will be to allow ALL of our children the same "opportunities" that Leah had, even as their siblings move out and their "piece of the pie" grows larger! (I was the baby in a family of five, so I have some first hand knowledge of what can happen...)
Working hard to accomplish a simple task, or a life goal, may leave us feeling tired, but it also allows us to feel fulfilled. I wonder if that's why God's Word talks about our work so much. Work won't get us into Heaven, but it can help us to grow - physically, relationally, and spiritually - as we live out the lives God has set before us. There really is a joy that comes only after the work, and the play, is finished!
Until next time...
Beth
Labels: Beth
All Used Up
I love to travel. Being raised an army brat I was privileged to travel to some interesting places as a child - Germany, Switzerland, Taiwan as well as numerous states in the US. As an adult I've added to that list - Nepal, Singapore, Canada. I have a longer 'wish list' of places I would love to venture - New Zealand, the Caribbean, Greece, Italy, and my longtime dream of going to Paris and traveling down the southern coast of France. The likelihood of me seeing some of those far-off places is pretty slim, I admit. But there is one destination that I know I will arrive at - and it will be far more wonderful than anything I've seen, or could ever see, on this earth. Heaven is so far beyond anything I could imagine (1 Cor. 2:9 tells us that 'No one has ever seen this, and no one has ever heard about it. No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.') So I have the dreams of this world, and the certainty of the next. The other day I received one of those humorous emails, a tongue-in-cheek making fun of our health-conscious society which said, in part:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, 'WOO-HOO! What a Ride!'"
And it struck me that I'd like to arrive in Heaven that way (perhaps without the Chardonay!) I want to be 'thoroughly used up' - not from self-indulgent pleasures, but my life poured out as an offering to God, having run the race full bore, knowing I had given everything I had - for Him.
So I could say with the Apostle Paul, "For I am already poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure is at hand." (2 Tim 4:6)
All for Him,MissyLabels: Missy
Friends Spotlight on Libby Pacula and Tammy Koser
I serve on the board of directors of COF with some wonderfully talented women whom I'm privileged to call friends and I'd like to introduce two of them to you today.
 Meet Libby Pacula. I've known Libby for many years because our children were in school together - nothing bonds you like those 2 am phone calls wondering where your children are...(I promised I would never let you forget, Jess!) But it has really been in the last year that I have come to know her - her heart, her passion, her wisdom. She is a wife (3o years of marriage!) a mother (2 adult daughters and one teenage son) and substitute teacher. Her excellence in all those areas is no surprise to me, however, I have seen a new side to her that I truly admire and am blessed by - her creativity. If you have seen any of her dramas, you know how the Lord has gifted her in that area. She also is a regular contributor to this blog, as well as being part of the COF worship team.
I recently learned that when she was young she wanted to perform, and practiced diligently - singing, dancing, acting - even baton twirling. (That creativity is beginning to make sense now! God was preparing her even then.) Libby describes her life as "a tapestry that has had Christian influence woven into it at just the right times along the way". I think of her friendship as a beautiful thread that has influenced my own life - and so many others!
Some interesting facts about Libby: her childhood nickname, given to her by her father, is 'Flibble-Dibble' - her given name is Elizabeth. (Ask her how she got the name 'Libby'!) She comes from a family of nine children, is not an early riser, enjoys relaxing with a good book and loves visiting with friends.
One of the things I most appreciate about Libby is her desire to know the Lord fully, and walk with Him faithfully. She is an integral part of Circle of Friends and helps us to truly 'minister' to other women.  This is my friend Tammy Koser. Of all the women on the board of COF, I have probably known Tammy the longest. She hasn't changed much over the years - she's still a party waiting to happen! I was privileged to go on a missions trip to Nepal with her several years ago. There were many wonderful moments, but two of my favorites were standing with Tammy and watching in awe as the first rays of the rising sun reflected off the peaks of the Himalayas, and worshipping the Lord - singing acapella - words ringing and echoing through the early mountain air - singing in restaurants, singing as we trekked through city streets and steep trails, singing wherever we went. It was an amazing experience for me, and much of that had to do with Tammy's example of true worship, and her deep love for the Nepali people. She and her family later went back to Nepal and lived there for two-and-a-half years as medical missionaries.
Her childhood nickname was 'Sunny' - so appropriate! Not only matching her personality, but also her idea of a 'perfect day'. Sunshine, coffee at her fingertips, a walk with a good friend and an amazing worship CD on her IPOD, lunch at Rebecca's followed by an afternoon at the pool with her friend, or a good book, a candlelight dinner with her husband, flowers from her son and someone else to clean up the kitchen! If you've met Tammy, you know that she is full of joy and effervesance of love for God and her family. She is wife, mother, a registered nurse, and active in her church and the community. It won't surprise you to learn that Tammy is on the COF worship team. She is also a vital part of our prayer ministry. I know first hand the blessings of her faithful prayers and her heart to know God and serve Him. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor. 15;58Tammy and Libby are exactly that - steadfast, faithful, abounding in the work of the Lord. I am blessed by not only their friendship, but also by their lives and their testimony of love for God, their families, and for the women they serve. Labels: Missy
A Cleanse Worth Considering...
I happened to be standing in my kitchen thinking about writing a blog...hmmm...what should I write about this week? As I stared straight ahead, my answer was staring right back at me from the kitchen counter. One container of bentonite and one container of psyllium husks powder. That's right...the two ingredients I use when I embark on a colon cleanse. Okay, I am quite sure you are thinking "I don't believe I will read any further." Frankly, I wouldn't blame you. Trust me...your potential mental visual is much worse than anything I will write! Actually, I began to ponder that part of the physical body as it relates to the spiritual 'body of Christ'. I chuckled as I thought that the colon probably coined the phrase, "...It's a dirty job; but somebody's got to do it!" And the colon indeed keeps on doing that job. I believe that I need to provide some routine maintenance for that body part if I want it to continue to perform well. Therefore...I cleanse. I trust that if I help to take care of my colon, it will help to take care of me.
Knowing that the colon is responsible for ridding the physical body of unnecessary waste, I am thinking that there is a correlating part of the spiritual body of Christ that is just as necessary to 'remove waste'. Have you ever encountered someone who just seems to know what is wise and good and right, and they don't mess around when it comes to delivering that message to the necessary audience?! My daughter would say, "They just lay the smack down, and that is good!" In other words (hopefully more universally understood!), these people possess a knack for nailing truth. When the truth sounds beautiful it is easy to take. It goes down smoothly and digests well. But when the truth feels hard and hurtful, it is not so easy to take. It seems to get stuck in the throat and then leaves a lump in the pit of the stomach as it churns and churns, feeling as if it will never digest! However, it is still TRUTH...whether it 'feels' good or not! It must be revealed. It must be confronted. It must be dealt with. Of course, all of this must be done in a healthy, appropriate, Spirit-led manner. That is where the 'truth-teller' must excel.
This is just my thinking here, but I believe the 'colon' of the body of Christ is that person who has been blessed by God with the spiritual gift of 'discernment'...our 'truth-teller'. According to my dictionary, discernment means "keenness in seeing and understanding; good judgment; shrewdness." It lists one of the synonyms as "insight". The quote used in this dictionary is by Cardinal Manning, "The eye of the soul acquires a discernment whereby some can instantly read the character of others." Cool! NOT cool if not ultimately led by the Spirit of God. Misguided truth-tellers are not about using their insights for helping and healing. They use their 'insights' for maligning and hurting...probably because they themselves hurt so much. Healthy truth-tellers truly want what is best for people...even though the truth may hurt.
We all need those discerning, healthy truth-tellers in our lives; people who help us to make wise choices, to see things with more than just our eyes; people who are willing to chastise and correct us when we are making questionable choices. Hmmm...I believe Beth would refer to this as 'accountability'. That word just keeps coming back; it is so vital and necessary! We also need to help keep our truth-tellers healthy. Don't ignore them. Don't pretend their words of truth don't matter. Allow them to help you process...or should I say 'digest' those areas of concern in your life. Allow them to help you get rid of the waste and hang on to the 'nutrition' in your life. Discerning,healthy truth-tellers need encouragement. It's hard to keep telling the truth if that person never feels as though it is making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Do you have 'truth-tellers' in your life? Help them to stay healthy by doing a 'cleanse' for them every once in a while. How? Know that they are a gift from God. Thank them; encourage them; understand that their job can feel very dirty...but somebody has to do it!
Thanks for reading,
LibbyLabels: Libby
La La La
I have nothing to say today.
This is an odd experience for me. Ask anyone I know, and they would definitely tell you I'm usually not at a loss for words. But today...well, today is not a bad day, but it's not a good day. I just sort of feel "blah" and like there's nothing I have that's worth saying, and if there is I just can't come up with it.
I guess we all have speechless moments. Sometimes it's brought on by extreme joy where no words can express how happy we are. And sometimes it's times of complete and utter sorrow where nothing we can say or anything anyone else can say to us can touch the depth of the pain we're drowning in. Words just don't cut it at times.
There's a song by Point of Grace that talks about those times when we come before our Father and we don't know what to say. Here are the lyrics of the song written by Brent Wilson:If a picture's worth a thousand wordsWhat are they?And since Your Spirit intercedes for me What do you hear when I pray?'Cause I'm finding it hard to find the wordsto let you know how my heart can hurtso I'll sing the tune and let you fill in the words(Chorus)La La LaLa La LaLa La La..It's comforting to knowMy words aren't all You hearI can talk to You with laughterAnd I can talk to you in tearsAnd I don't have to know just what to sayFor You to hear me when I praySo I'll sing a part and let you read my heart
How amazing to know that we don't have to come to God with flowery words. We can simply come. We can come to Him sobbing, without being able to utter a single thing that makes sense, and we can come to Him laughing in joy. We don't have to think of a beautiful new way to praise Him that could be the next big worship song. Sitting in silence in awe of Him is more than enough! Even if we don't have words to say doesn't mean we can't pray.
God doesn't need our words when He has our hearts.EmilyLabels: Emily
Confessions of a Peace Lover...
Ah, springtime in Ohio, isn't it...interesting? Lovely one day, cold, rainy and windy the next. (and sometimes the next, and the next!) Springtime is the season that reminds me most of adolescence. Budding trees and flowers, beautiful sunshine, blue skies, and then the rain comes - and if we're not prepared we can get caught in it! Sometimes it's just a light rain, sometimes a little steadier, sometimes a gusty, cold, lashing rain. The good news is, at some point the rain ends, and the sun returns, and occasionally, if we remember to look, there is a beautiful rainbow.
Springtime also has some "smells" associated with it. Some of them are wonderful, fresh, smells. Some of them...not so much! Especially if you live in farm country like I do. That too reminds me of those adolescent years. Every now and then we find our children (or ourselves) in a situation that makes us say "this stinks!" It is the stuff of life that we would not choose, and too often, when that "stuff" seems to fall too near our family we get busy trying to shovel it away. I don't want to smell it, let alone have it in my home, or even just outside my window where I catch a whiff every time I walk by!
That stinky stuff has a name in farm country, its called manure, and while I don't like to see it, smell it, drive in it, or - gag - step in it, it is a necessary part of the growth that a farmer desires to see in his fields.
There is a scripture in Matthew 13 that I've always heard referred to as the "Parable of the Seed". Several years ago, as I was studying this passage for a Crown Financial Ministries Bible study (www.crown.org), I had a light bulb moment. It suddenly occurred to me that this parable had less to do with the seed then it did with the soil! The seed never changed, it was the condition of the soil that impacted the growth of the seed.! (Of course when I turned to my NIV Life Application Bible I saw it listed as "Jesus Tells the Parable of the Four Soils" so my profound revelation was simply mine to learn, others had obviously picked up on it long before me, and I had probably read that very heading plenty of times...could it be there were some weeds in my soil choking out the good seeds?)
So there it is folks, one of the lessons I've been learning, "stinky stuff" happens! It's what we do with it that matters. God has given us a storehouse of tools with which to work. We don't always have to use a shovel, sometimes we need a hoe, or a spade, sometimes we simply just need to allow the "manure of life" to do its work in the soil to prepare it for the amazing seed that God wants to plant - in our lives and in the lives of the adolescents that we love. And always, when we smell "it", we just need to ask God to send His rain before we make any attempt to handle it on our own. And if we do, the rain will come, the Son will return, and, if we remember to look, there just might be a beautiful rainbow!
Until next time...BethLabels: Beth
What's All The ‘…” Funky Format About?
If you read this blog regularly (and I thank you!) you might wonder at the funny looking symbols that look like this ‘…”. That, dear friends is funky formatting. Word files don't 'cut and paste' very well into blogger. In fact, any '... or " has to be deleted and re-typed if you want it to come out readable. As everyone sends me their blog posts (thank you, THANK YOU! or I would have to do them all myself - and nobody wants that!) I cut and paste them into blogger, edit every punctuation and save them as a draft or schedule them to post. Now, I try very hard to catch every '..." out there - but inevitably I miss one or two. So, I get up at 6:00 every NOT SLEEPING ANYMORE morning (and if you read this blog before 6:00 am - I know a good therapist I can recommend!!) Anyway, I get up, log onto my computer and check out the blog that I have set to post at 12:01 am (it does not post at that time - I have no idea when it posts because I refuse to stay up and try to figure it out - don't ask me why, but the whole 'time' thing under my posting options does not work, so I fudge it the best I can and so far - it's been there at 6:00 am when I post it for 12:01 am - go figure). So, I drag myself (did I mention I am NOT a morning person? - IMO 'morning' should really start somewhere around 1:00 or 2:00 pm ) Anyway, I've dragged myself out of bed moaning, groaning, and just generally grumpy, log onto my computer (sitting in my recliner with my lap top I can sometimes grab a few more 'winks' of sleep) waiting for everything to power up (those Google gadgets are fun - but they sure take their time waking up - like me : ) So I'm up at 6:00 AM people - checking out this blog for funky formatting - because who likes to see ‘…” anytime, let alone at 6:00 AM IN THE MORNING. I try, really I try. Every morning I pry my eyelids open with toothpicks and look at this blog. I fix the ‘…” I see as well as spacing, grammar (not really!) and spelling (I'm my own spell-checker so I miss a few of those, too.) But inevitably - AS HARD AS I TRY - when I check the blog later in the day (because I'm persnickity, that's why! - don't use that 'p' word with me - no perfectionists live in this household!) I keep finding ‘…”.So here's the deal. I will continue to get up at 6:00 AM NOT PM in the morning and check the blog. I will do my very best to make it right, with no ‘…” or any other unsightliness if you, dear reader, will forgive those times I fail.There, I've said it. Those dreaded words have come out of my mouth (or more accurately, rolled off my fingertips and sounded in your ear - which makes one ponder, does your 'inner voice' sound like your verbal voice? - deep questions for another time...) Failure. Dreaded. Hated. Never-want-to-admit-it - failure. I watched my blinking cursor after I wrote that and - you know what? No bombs went off. I didn't disintegrate. No loud, shouting voices with pointing, accusing fingers - I not only survived the admission of not being, you know, perfect, I found out it's okay! God's mercies are 'new every morning' - If I goof up (okay, fail) God gives me another chance. I hope you will, too.Signed, Little Miss Not Perfect (and no longer trying to be!)All for Him,MissyLabels: Missy
Friends Spotlight on Lisa Troyer
Meet our Fearless Leader! Circle of Friends began with a small accountablility group with a desire to encourage other women. Lisa has been a driving force of that ministry from the start.
 A multi-talented woman, God has gifted Lisa with a passion to serve women. I think what blesses me most about this sweet friend is her humility - before God and man. Her heart's desire is to follow Christ fully - to live her life as He wills, and to lead others down that same path. A devoted wife and mother, she is also an astute businesswoman, radio personality, worship leader, and singer. Involved in the music industry for many years, Lisa has a true heart for worship. Two of her singles that were released across the air waves recently are Forever and Pour Your Love Down, both of them featuring our own Circle of Friends Worship Team.
I have known Lisa many years, and one of the things that has remained constant is her desire to share what God has given her - through mentoring, serving, teaching, and ministering to the hearts of women. She has a sharp wit with a dry sense of humor - mostly aimed at herself! I so appreciate her transparency, her 'realness', and willingness to share her own struggles on her journey with the Lord. No masks, no pretense. I think God delights in her, because like the woman in John 4 who, when she heard about the 'living water' rushed to tell others about Jesus, Lisa longs to tell women of Christ's love for them."Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" John 4: 28, 29 (NIV) Lisa's personality test revealed she is a 'director' - a visionary. God has gifted her in seeing the big picture, the broader vision - 'the possibilities' and the faith to believe God will work and bring it to pass. She has a knack for seeing the potential in others and encouraging them to grow, using their God-given talents and abilities to bless those around them. Lisa is truly the heartbeat of Circle of Friends Ministries, although she would be the first to point out that the backbone of COF is a group of dedicated women. We so appreciate her and are thankful she is 'at the helm'! Labels: Missy
Are You a Fan?
As I was on my way to the computer to type this blog, I passed the TV which happened to be on. (We are not fans of TV!) My husband was watching a PBS station, and some show about professional bowling was on. As I passed by, I paused and noticed that footage of some kind of an awards or recognition program was showing. I must admit, I was surprised at the amount of bowling fans in the audience. I was even more surprised by the amount of noise they were making as they eagerly showed their love and devotion to the 'bowlers on display'. While I don't go bowling often, when I do go, I enjoy it. However, I certainly did not know that this sport has such a fanatic following. I shared this thought with my husband who was just as surprised as I was...but not for long, because he was soon watching the program through his eyelids. (That, incidentally, is his favorite way to watch TV. I just cover him up, and let him sleep) I continued on my way to the computer. As I listened to my husband begin to softly snore (actually quite relaxing to me...I knew that he was resting well!) and pondered over those bowling fans, I thought about how many things have their own following of fans. Certainly every sport does, I suppose (yes, even curling); every genre of music, be it bluegrass, country, blues, jazz, 'rock band' (even if it's just mom, dad, and the rest of the family showing up), orchestral, etc.; actors and actresses; chefs and restaurants; the list goes on...
Recently I had the great opportunity to attend an Answers in Genesis conference. While I was excited to go (I had never attended one before), I was reluctant to leave hearth and home. Upon arriving I soon found that the Answers in Genesis organization has a huge fan base, too! (Personally, I am one of them and would LOVE to see that fan base continue to grow.) And so I ask myself, "What is it about something that makes me a 'fan'?" As I think about the AIG conference (remember, that is "Answers in Genesis", NOT the bankrupt corporation that I am quite sure has NO remaining fan club), I believe my being a fan of anything has much to do with the passion that is invoked within me as I experience that 'thing'. That passion is born out of a continuing journey of discovery...the discovery of nuggets of Truth that ultimately come from God and are about God. I found that I just wanted to drink in completely all that I was learning at the conference, but also became so aware of the need to keep on learning even after the conference, and to seek ways to apply that knowledge in practical ways each day. Continuing to ponder this kind of passion reminded me of the blog that I wrote about the musicals that I had the privilege of experiencing. Each one of those led me on that same kind of journey of discovery...regardless of their content. What an incredible adventure to really begin to seek and to find God and His nuggets of Truth in EVERYTHING that I experience. Nothing is secular,,,everything is sacred! Now honestly, not everything that I experience brings a smile to my face, but everything does have the potential to bring that deep joy that comes from knowing God to my heart...whether the experience itself is full of joy...or full of pain.
Another experience during the AIG conference that invoked passion in me had nothing to do with the content of the conference. It was a bathroom experience! (Hang in there with me...) I walked into the bathroom and was greeted with a "Be careful, the floor is wet". (I am quite familiar with the fact that toilets can present problems at full-house events!) Anyway, the greeting came from the beautiful lady cleaning up the mess; and she didn't stop cleaning until the job was done. While the rest of us were relaxing with coffee and cookies, she cleaned...and cleaned...with a smile on her face and no complaining from her lips. I know she was not even responsible for the mess. I also know that she could have ignored the mess, or gotten someone else to tend to it; but she chose (without hesitation) to tend to it herself. I also know that she is the wife of the pastor of the facility in which the conference was housed. I expressed my heart of gratitude to her, and I meant every word. In those moments, I was her 'fan'. Now I will publicly say, "Thank you, Becky, for your humble act of incredible service!"
Now I find myself asking the question, "Am I really a fan of 'things', such as those that I mentioned before?" No, I don't think so. I am such a fan of experiences that bring me closer to people, to God, and to the Kingdom of heaven which begins here on earth. I am a fan of God, because all of these experiences ultimately come from Him. Thank You, sweet Jesus!
Thanks for reading,
Libby Labels: Libby
Human Resources
I ran into my HR Manager today in the hall and I smiled at her. Her response was not nearly as friendly.
I'm sad to admit this was actually the mini-rant that went through my head...What in the world are you doing in human resources???!!! Okay, so, even if you're not a "people person", and that's the field you wind up in by random events in your life, not necessarily having set out to work with people, the natural assumption would be that you'd work at your people skills enough to smile back at one of the employees you're supposed to be there to help out. At least, that's what I would think. Maybe you're a great manager, and you do everything you're supposed to do, but really how effective can you be if you don't even seem nice to me?
Pretty harsh, right? And obviously, the woman only failed to smile at me. She could have easily been in a hurry and had her mind on something else. But, it did get me thinking. If you're in human resources, you gotta learn how to work with people, and how to do it effectively. No excuses about your personality, or how you're inclined, or that you're naturally shy or short with people or that you have a hard time around people you don't know very well. You just gotta up and do it. It's your job.
As much as I hate to say it, I'm an HR manager that isn't good with people, and who isn't willing to work on it.
I was given this rude awakening the other night when I was challenged by our pastor. We're about to embark on a church plant whose sole purpose is to reach the unchurched. And I'm all about singing with the worship team or changing diapers in the nursery or even cleaning the bathrooms! Ask me to go out of my comfort zone and serve by trying to reach the unsaved and having a conversation about spiritual things? Count me out. Guess what? I don't have a choice. I'm in HR. I gotta work with people.
As our pastor said, it's really easy for us to look at each other and think...Wow, it's so much easier for you Charlie. You're a pastor, you do this all the time. Or...It's so much easier for you Sara. You just have this bubbly personality and people are drawn to you. Oh well. So it's easier for them. Doesn't get me off the hook. As important as all the other areas of ministry are, we all have one big one we're responsible for, and it's the only one at the end of the day that really, really matters. It's telling people how Jesus has changed our lives and how He can change theirs. We can't save anyone, we can't change their minds, we can only let them in on what we know to be true.
The awesome thing is, there's nothing in the job description that God can't and won't do through us if we give Him the chance. We have to be willing to give it a shot. After all, do you really want to argue with the Boss?Emily Labels: Emily
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