Hey fellas,
Great discussion the other morning! Just wanted to check in and see how things were going with regard to what we were all challenged with last week. How is it going? Some of the things we talked about ranged from relationships with our wives to health decisions to finances.
Remember, DIRECTION DETERMINES DESTINATION. Are you headed in the right direction?
Have a great day!
co
Monday, June 25, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The Principle of the Path
JourneyMEN – June 21, 2007
THE PATH PRINCIPLE
INTRODUCTION
Think about the last time you were traveling and got lost. You had your destination in mind. You had every intention of getting there. But you took the wrong path, and you didn't end up where you wanted to be. A disconnect often occurs between the path you choose and where you want to end up. This is the principle of the path and we'll discover how it impacts every area of your life.
DIRECTION NOT INTENTION determines DESTINATION
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.) Talk about a time when you were lost. How did you get lost? How did you find your bearings?
2.) Read Proverbs 7:6-27. When have you watched someone else go down a predictable path? What were the choices that they made? What were the outcomes that they experienced?
3.) The principle of the path teaches that direction determines destination. What are some of the paths that you have taken in life? Where did they lead you?
4.) What is your desired destination when it comes to your career, finances, marriage, kids, or relationships?
5.) What path are you on now when it comes to your career, finances, kids, or relationships? Where do you see it headed? How is it different than your desired destination?
6.) What path should you pursue so that you will arrive at your desired destination in one of the areas you've mentioned?
THINK ABOUT IT
Why do we tend to think that we are the exception to the path principle? Why do we see our choices as individual events, instead of seeing them as a path to a destination?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Wrong paths have an emotional appeal that cause us to trade the immediate for the ultimate. If we choose immediate gratification, then we forfeit where we eventually want to be. What is one thing you will do this week to place yourself on the path to what you ultimately want?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Proverbs 7:25
THE PATH PRINCIPLE
INTRODUCTION
Think about the last time you were traveling and got lost. You had your destination in mind. You had every intention of getting there. But you took the wrong path, and you didn't end up where you wanted to be. A disconnect often occurs between the path you choose and where you want to end up. This is the principle of the path and we'll discover how it impacts every area of your life.
DIRECTION NOT INTENTION determines DESTINATION
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.) Talk about a time when you were lost. How did you get lost? How did you find your bearings?
2.) Read Proverbs 7:6-27. When have you watched someone else go down a predictable path? What were the choices that they made? What were the outcomes that they experienced?
3.) The principle of the path teaches that direction determines destination. What are some of the paths that you have taken in life? Where did they lead you?
4.) What is your desired destination when it comes to your career, finances, marriage, kids, or relationships?
5.) What path are you on now when it comes to your career, finances, kids, or relationships? Where do you see it headed? How is it different than your desired destination?
6.) What path should you pursue so that you will arrive at your desired destination in one of the areas you've mentioned?
THINK ABOUT IT
Why do we tend to think that we are the exception to the path principle? Why do we see our choices as individual events, instead of seeing them as a path to a destination?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Wrong paths have an emotional appeal that cause us to trade the immediate for the ultimate. If we choose immediate gratification, then we forfeit where we eventually want to be. What is one thing you will do this week to place yourself on the path to what you ultimately want?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Proverbs 7:25
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Meeting this Thursday
Hey guys,
We are meting at The Grange this Thursday at 6:30 am. See you then!
co
We are meting at The Grange this Thursday at 6:30 am. See you then!
co
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Experiencing Trials of MANY Kinds...
I've been doing some thinking in preparation for this Sunday's service on James 1:2-4. So much is packed into those 3 verses. I was reading a post that my wife put on our blog this week expressing a trial she has been going through and her daily mental resolution and I would like to share it with you.
It is titled, "Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom"
So... this morning after feeding Ainsley at 5:00 (for the first time all night) I crawled back into bed. Minimunch didn't go back to sleep, although she was happily squawking in her crib for about an hour. I am a pretty light sleeper, so I didn't really fall back asleep. By about 6:00am, she was letting out some bored cries. So I got her up, changed her diaper again, and took her downstairs. She was back asleep by 6:15... about the time Mike was leaving for his Bible Study. How great is that that my husband wakes up super early to study God's word? Anyway, the garage door woke up Aubrey. She was also happily awake, so I let her be until 7:00am hoping she too would fall back asleep. She didn't. So I got her up, and made her breakfast. By this time Ainsley was awake and wanting to eat... and here it is... I actually thought to myself I hate my life! How ridiculous is that! I have an amazing husband who puts his family first. I have two terrific daughters who fill my heart each and every day. I live everyday with the knowledge that I am free from my sins through Christ's blameless death on the cross. Isn't that a relief? I have amazing people to support me and walk life with me. And here I was thinking my life was horrible because I had to wake up at 5am! I immediately prayed for a better perspective. Sheesh. The funny part is, there is nothing I would rather do with my life. Whenever I have been asked the question "if you could do anything with your life, and pay wasn't a factor, what would you choose?" I've always said a wife and a mother. Well, at one point it was to follow the migration of whales, but that was a long time ago. So there you have it. The selfish confession of a stay at home mom... who by the way very much loves her life!
Sometimes it just requires us to sit back at get a little perspective on our situation. Though I know this is a post from a girl on the JourneyMEN site, I hope you will forgive me and be able to relate your own life to a stay at home mom's. I'm proud of my wife!
It is titled, "Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom"
So... this morning after feeding Ainsley at 5:00 (for the first time all night) I crawled back into bed. Minimunch didn't go back to sleep, although she was happily squawking in her crib for about an hour. I am a pretty light sleeper, so I didn't really fall back asleep. By about 6:00am, she was letting out some bored cries. So I got her up, changed her diaper again, and took her downstairs. She was back asleep by 6:15... about the time Mike was leaving for his Bible Study. How great is that that my husband wakes up super early to study God's word? Anyway, the garage door woke up Aubrey. She was also happily awake, so I let her be until 7:00am hoping she too would fall back asleep. She didn't. So I got her up, and made her breakfast. By this time Ainsley was awake and wanting to eat... and here it is... I actually thought to myself I hate my life! How ridiculous is that! I have an amazing husband who puts his family first. I have two terrific daughters who fill my heart each and every day. I live everyday with the knowledge that I am free from my sins through Christ's blameless death on the cross. Isn't that a relief? I have amazing people to support me and walk life with me. And here I was thinking my life was horrible because I had to wake up at 5am! I immediately prayed for a better perspective. Sheesh. The funny part is, there is nothing I would rather do with my life. Whenever I have been asked the question "if you could do anything with your life, and pay wasn't a factor, what would you choose?" I've always said a wife and a mother. Well, at one point it was to follow the migration of whales, but that was a long time ago. So there you have it. The selfish confession of a stay at home mom... who by the way very much loves her life!
Sometimes it just requires us to sit back at get a little perspective on our situation. Though I know this is a post from a girl on the JourneyMEN site, I hope you will forgive me and be able to relate your own life to a stay at home mom's. I'm proud of my wife!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Application of Faith
Hey guys,
At Plum Creek Community Church this weekend, Pastor Doug delivered a message on "Applied Faith". In other words, taking what we learn on Sundays (and on Thursdays) and applying it to our everyday lives. It inspired me to really dive into the book of James a little deeper.
Something that struck me was how the words we speak can be so important and perhaps even dangerous. James 1:19-20 My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to LISTEN, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Your anger can never make things right in God's sight.
This week I am going to focus my words on encouragement and be slower to 'React' and more careful to "Respond'. I am also going to be try to be more mindful and aware of the actual words I speak as it reflects who I am and what I stand for.
Have an awesome week!
co
At Plum Creek Community Church this weekend, Pastor Doug delivered a message on "Applied Faith". In other words, taking what we learn on Sundays (and on Thursdays) and applying it to our everyday lives. It inspired me to really dive into the book of James a little deeper.
Something that struck me was how the words we speak can be so important and perhaps even dangerous. James 1:19-20 My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to LISTEN, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Your anger can never make things right in God's sight.
This week I am going to focus my words on encouragement and be slower to 'React' and more careful to "Respond'. I am also going to be try to be more mindful and aware of the actual words I speak as it reflects who I am and what I stand for.
Have an awesome week!
co
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Daily Bread!
This morning I had the opportunity to get together with a few guys and dig into the Word of God...and it was awesome! We prayed together and decided to begin where Pastor Doug is going to be teaching over the next several weeks. Here is what we talked about;
We began a study of the book of James. The book of James may be the earliest of the New Testament letters, written about A.D. 48. This letter, written by the brother of Jesus and one of the leaders of the church in Jerusalem, was addressed to Christians everywhere. The seven books of the New Testament from James through Jude are called the general letters because they are addressed to Christians in general and not to a special church.
James wrote this letter to teach Christians the practice of Christianity. He insists that if we have real faith, we will show it by acting like Christians. He gives practical advice on things like anger and quarreling, showing favoritism, controlling the tongue, boasting patience and prayer.
Today, we looked at the first several verses in chapter 1, specifically verse 5; If anyone should lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
We discussed that we should seek wisdom for a variety of things;
We began a study of the book of James. The book of James may be the earliest of the New Testament letters, written about A.D. 48. This letter, written by the brother of Jesus and one of the leaders of the church in Jerusalem, was addressed to Christians everywhere. The seven books of the New Testament from James through Jude are called the general letters because they are addressed to Christians in general and not to a special church.
James wrote this letter to teach Christians the practice of Christianity. He insists that if we have real faith, we will show it by acting like Christians. He gives practical advice on things like anger and quarreling, showing favoritism, controlling the tongue, boasting patience and prayer.
Today, we looked at the first several verses in chapter 1, specifically verse 5; If anyone should lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
We discussed that we should seek wisdom for a variety of things;
- What to say and how to say it
- Making Decisions
- Listening and Understanding People and their Needs
- Listening to God and taking His lead
Great stuff today guys! Again, I apologize for any miscommunication. I told many of you that we were NOT having it today and neglected to tell others. Please stay tuned for next weeks JourneyMen's meeting as there may be some changes. I will let you know.
Have an awesome day!!!
Monday, June 4, 2007
A rough day!
I had one of those days today where it is hard to see the silver lining. We were short staffed at the bank, I had a loan closing that could have gone better, and to top it all off, I had to fire one of my tellers.
In all honesty, I tried to live the day with James 1:2 in mind, but it wasn't easy. As I was driving home, both frustrated that I couldn't get my teller to perform to standards, hoping that I let her go with as much grace and dignity as possible, and wanting to still let my light shine to my other employees, I remembered what Glenn said on April 19th, and proceeded to thank God for the rough day too.
I hope you find encouragement in your tough days, because even the "bad" days are days that the Lord has made. We need to rejoice and be glad in them as well. Thanks again for the reminder, Glenn.
In all honesty, I tried to live the day with James 1:2 in mind, but it wasn't easy. As I was driving home, both frustrated that I couldn't get my teller to perform to standards, hoping that I let her go with as much grace and dignity as possible, and wanting to still let my light shine to my other employees, I remembered what Glenn said on April 19th, and proceeded to thank God for the rough day too.
I hope you find encouragement in your tough days, because even the "bad" days are days that the Lord has made. We need to rejoice and be glad in them as well. Thanks again for the reminder, Glenn.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Invest in Relationships
Hey everyone!
Just wanted to throw out a couple of thoughts before the weekend. We as dad's, husbands, employees, employers, nieghbors and Christians are in the 'relationship business'. In order to establish, develop and maintain healthy relationships it takes an investment of time.
I say invest and not spend - because to invest means gain. To spend means lose. Truly, healthy relationships are important because we gain respect and this gives us influence. When we have influence, we can lead effectively. We want to successfully lead our families, our businesses and most importantly, we want to be able to lead people into relationship with the Lord. Invest yourslef, time and energy into some relationships!
Have an awesome weekend!
charles
Just wanted to throw out a couple of thoughts before the weekend. We as dad's, husbands, employees, employers, nieghbors and Christians are in the 'relationship business'. In order to establish, develop and maintain healthy relationships it takes an investment of time.
I say invest and not spend - because to invest means gain. To spend means lose. Truly, healthy relationships are important because we gain respect and this gives us influence. When we have influence, we can lead effectively. We want to successfully lead our families, our businesses and most importantly, we want to be able to lead people into relationship with the Lord. Invest yourslef, time and energy into some relationships!
Have an awesome weekend!
charles
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