After a brief week away with my family, it's good to be back with our team here at North Way.
So much transpires in a week it's almost hard to take it all in! As always, the great majority of ministry that happens around here is not on the weekends, but throughout the week in a multitude of meetings, small groups and gatherings scattered throughout the city.
I will say that last weekend's service, by all reports, was exceptional! The young women from Moldova, along with their missionary pastor Philip Cameron, brought focus to the tragic plight of the orphans of the eastern block countries formerly the Soviet Union. This gave faces and stories to what is normally simply called "human trafficking" and made it very real to everyone who had the opportunity to participate in the services.
I'm grateful for moments like this past weekend and other times when we step out of our comfort zone and face the darkness of the world and let the light of Jesus shine through faith, support and prayer!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
From 41,000 feet
This is a 'first' for me. The airline I'm on his Wi-Fi, so I'm sending this message
from 41,000 ft.! One thing is for sure: as technology continues to explode
it becomes imperative that we make time for the "silence" of our hearts.
I've discovered that the Lord will not scream over my other inputs or busyness.
Beyond all of that the Lord, is worthy of our best time; not to be squeezed into
our daily routine. We convince ourselves that "we're doing fine", but when is
the last time you KNOW you heard the voice of the Lord to your heart; and
obeyed?
Let me encourage you in these summer mornings to give the Lord the first fruits
of your day and watch how He blesses the rest. While we were away, my normal eating habits were severely disrupted. The results were not immediately evident, but they are now! The same is true of our spiritual habits; don't cheat the Lord and slowly drift into mediocrity.
Blessings!
Pastor Jay
from 41,000 ft.! One thing is for sure: as technology continues to explode
it becomes imperative that we make time for the "silence" of our hearts.
I've discovered that the Lord will not scream over my other inputs or busyness.
Beyond all of that the Lord, is worthy of our best time; not to be squeezed into
our daily routine. We convince ourselves that "we're doing fine", but when is
the last time you KNOW you heard the voice of the Lord to your heart; and
obeyed?
Let me encourage you in these summer mornings to give the Lord the first fruits
of your day and watch how He blesses the rest. While we were away, my normal eating habits were severely disrupted. The results were not immediately evident, but they are now! The same is true of our spiritual habits; don't cheat the Lord and slowly drift into mediocrity.
Blessings!
Pastor Jay
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Family Investments
We’re heading out today for a little family vacation where all of my kids (and their kids!) will be together for a little less than a week to share some “quality time.”
What I’ve discovered over the years is that unless we make plans to create such space in our life, it simply won’t happen. As our family and friends grow in responsibility and opportunity, schedules get full and networks demand much of their time.
There’s something really fulfilling about being together away from home where the only focus is on one another, and not the circumstances of everyday life. I think it gives us a clearer picture of one another’s hearts and also presents opportunities for deeper levels of discussion.
As a result, my blog may be a bit spotty for the balance of this week, but I will be on twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/drjay_ if you’d like to keep up with a few of the things we’re thinking about.
Enjoy these beautiful summer days!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
What I’ve discovered over the years is that unless we make plans to create such space in our life, it simply won’t happen. As our family and friends grow in responsibility and opportunity, schedules get full and networks demand much of their time.
There’s something really fulfilling about being together away from home where the only focus is on one another, and not the circumstances of everyday life. I think it gives us a clearer picture of one another’s hearts and also presents opportunities for deeper levels of discussion.
As a result, my blog may be a bit spotty for the balance of this week, but I will be on twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/drjay_ if you’d like to keep up with a few of the things we’re thinking about.
Enjoy these beautiful summer days!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Monday, June 22, 2009
Blessed are the "flexible"!
As we officially begin the summer season, I have learned that many people just need more "space" and less programming during these months.
It's okay to change plans or to be spontaneous because of nice weather or unexpected opportunities. I really like it when I'm given the freedom to change "non-essential" meetings in this season; and I like to give that freedom as well.
As I read about Jesus' life, it seems he was never in a hurry; and always able to respond to the opportunities the Father brought to Him. I'm not sure if I'll ever get to the place of sanctification, but if I do, it will most likely be in the summer!
Blessings!
Dr. Jay
It's okay to change plans or to be spontaneous because of nice weather or unexpected opportunities. I really like it when I'm given the freedom to change "non-essential" meetings in this season; and I like to give that freedom as well.
As I read about Jesus' life, it seems he was never in a hurry; and always able to respond to the opportunities the Father brought to Him. I'm not sure if I'll ever get to the place of sanctification, but if I do, it will most likely be in the summer!
Blessings!
Dr. Jay
Friday, June 19, 2009
Cultivating A Heart That Listens
Most of us want to believe that we “hear from the Lord” or at least are doing our best to understand His will for our life.
There are times, however, when the Lord really does want to give you a specific message for a specific situation. (The New Testament Greek word for this is “rhema” which is translated word of God.)
In my experience, these moments do not occur frequently, but when they do it’s very often a transformational moment for you and the persons that are involved in delivering that word.
Let me ask you a simple question. Did you spend any time today listening to the Lord to hear if He might have a rhema for you….
Don’t feel condemned if you didn’t; I’m not sure I did either?! However, someone did listen on my behalf and for that I am deeply grateful. It just reminded me that the Lord is watching out for us even when we may not take the time to watch out for ourselves.
Keep cultivating that listening heart.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
There are times, however, when the Lord really does want to give you a specific message for a specific situation. (The New Testament Greek word for this is “rhema” which is translated word of God.)
In my experience, these moments do not occur frequently, but when they do it’s very often a transformational moment for you and the persons that are involved in delivering that word.
Let me ask you a simple question. Did you spend any time today listening to the Lord to hear if He might have a rhema for you….
Don’t feel condemned if you didn’t; I’m not sure I did either?! However, someone did listen on my behalf and for that I am deeply grateful. It just reminded me that the Lord is watching out for us even when we may not take the time to watch out for ourselves.
Keep cultivating that listening heart.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Chasing Dreams
I wonder how many of us give up on our dreams too early.
It’s not uncommon, I’m sure, but it’s such a sad thing when we think we’re either too far behind the curve, too old or too out of touch to continue to believe God for the dream He put into our hearts.
Just today, I was on the phone with a friend who had 20+ years of business experience plus some other kinds of non-profit work but in his heart of hearts always wanted to be a pastor.
By most measurements he really shouldn’t have kept his dream alive because being in his 50’s he was too far along in his career to make this happen.
But with technology today, the advent of all kinds of creative ways of doing church, there was a space for him and he is now in his second year of being a full time pastor, and loving it!
The lesson for me was to not let my dreams die just because circumstances may be getting in the way. As long as the Holy Spirit continues to nudge me in that direction, continues to sustain my belief, then I’m going to trust God to open the doors and make it happen. (After all, isn’t that what He did with Abraham? Romans 4:17)
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
It’s not uncommon, I’m sure, but it’s such a sad thing when we think we’re either too far behind the curve, too old or too out of touch to continue to believe God for the dream He put into our hearts.
Just today, I was on the phone with a friend who had 20+ years of business experience plus some other kinds of non-profit work but in his heart of hearts always wanted to be a pastor.
By most measurements he really shouldn’t have kept his dream alive because being in his 50’s he was too far along in his career to make this happen.
But with technology today, the advent of all kinds of creative ways of doing church, there was a space for him and he is now in his second year of being a full time pastor, and loving it!
The lesson for me was to not let my dreams die just because circumstances may be getting in the way. As long as the Holy Spirit continues to nudge me in that direction, continues to sustain my belief, then I’m going to trust God to open the doors and make it happen. (After all, isn’t that what He did with Abraham? Romans 4:17)
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
It's Been Eighteen Years
Eighteen years ago Bill Antolec walked into the doors of North Way to check out this church as a possibility to grow spiritually. Bill met Susie here while playing volleyball. They soon married. Little did they know the future plans God had for them!
Being in the computer world and coming out of a pretty difficult background, Bill needed stability and support along with challenge and a contemporary edge.
By God’s grace, he found that at North Way and much more. Over the years he became our IT Director and then after 1 mission trip about 8 years ago, he believed that God would ultimately have him full time on the mission field.
As we shared lunch today, just a couple weeks away from his departing to go to Thailand on a full time basis, we both marveled at the hand of God who has engineered circumstance, relationships and opportunities to provide a place for Bill & Susie to serve Jesus in a land literally half way around the world.
The best part of all is that this is something that Bill finds incredibly exciting and rewarding and is simply the culmination of faithfully obeying the Lord in what was put in front of him to do.
I think that’s one of the secrets we all can learn in our spiritual journey.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Being in the computer world and coming out of a pretty difficult background, Bill needed stability and support along with challenge and a contemporary edge.
By God’s grace, he found that at North Way and much more. Over the years he became our IT Director and then after 1 mission trip about 8 years ago, he believed that God would ultimately have him full time on the mission field.
As we shared lunch today, just a couple weeks away from his departing to go to Thailand on a full time basis, we both marveled at the hand of God who has engineered circumstance, relationships and opportunities to provide a place for Bill & Susie to serve Jesus in a land literally half way around the world.
The best part of all is that this is something that Bill finds incredibly exciting and rewarding and is simply the culmination of faithfully obeying the Lord in what was put in front of him to do.
I think that’s one of the secrets we all can learn in our spiritual journey.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Uncertainty of Life
Just the other day, I was in the neighborhood with my family and encountered one of our friends who I hadn’t seen in a while.
This particular person is friendly, soft-spoken and extremely physically fit! He’s a muscular person on a big frame and quite imposing in that regard.
However, when I saw him this time I could tell that he had obviously lost some weight and also had apparently shaved his head for the summer (or so it appeared).
In fact, the conversation revealed that he had contracted cancer and was undergoing intense therapy at the time.
A year ago, I could not have imagined a more physically fit person or, in other words, someone less likely to be in this position in such a short while.
Beyond the obvious summons to pray and reach out to him in some way, it also reminded me of the fact that every single day of good health is a gift from God for which we ought to stop and give specific praise. My natural inclination is to assume that things are always going to be the same when in fact we have no guarantees that that is the case.
If you’re enjoying a run of good health, stop right now and thank the Lord for every part of your physical body, which houses the Holy Spirit, and how beautifully and wonderfully you are made. It’s a good time to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness in your life and to know that He’ll be there for you if things should become difficult.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
This particular person is friendly, soft-spoken and extremely physically fit! He’s a muscular person on a big frame and quite imposing in that regard.
However, when I saw him this time I could tell that he had obviously lost some weight and also had apparently shaved his head for the summer (or so it appeared).
In fact, the conversation revealed that he had contracted cancer and was undergoing intense therapy at the time.
A year ago, I could not have imagined a more physically fit person or, in other words, someone less likely to be in this position in such a short while.
Beyond the obvious summons to pray and reach out to him in some way, it also reminded me of the fact that every single day of good health is a gift from God for which we ought to stop and give specific praise. My natural inclination is to assume that things are always going to be the same when in fact we have no guarantees that that is the case.
If you’re enjoying a run of good health, stop right now and thank the Lord for every part of your physical body, which houses the Holy Spirit, and how beautifully and wonderfully you are made. It’s a good time to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness in your life and to know that He’ll be there for you if things should become difficult.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Monday, June 15, 2009
Go Pens!
As I watch the incredible Pens parade (from a distance), I'm reminded how important it is
to take time and and even make an investment in celebration and appreciation. Too often,
we labor endlessly (it seems) and don't remember to put things aside and rejoice!
Perhaps the best illustration of this is in Nehemiah, where after the incredible accomplishment of
rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, Nehemiah decreed eight days of celebration and thanksgiving.
We are so wired to always be thinking about "the next thing", that we often don't savor the joy
of the present moment. Props to the Penguins and people of Pittsburgh for giving a couple hundred thousand folks that moment in person; and probably a million more via media!
We should do the same without apology as we see God work through us!
Pastor Jay
to take time and and even make an investment in celebration and appreciation. Too often,
we labor endlessly (it seems) and don't remember to put things aside and rejoice!
Perhaps the best illustration of this is in Nehemiah, where after the incredible accomplishment of
rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, Nehemiah decreed eight days of celebration and thanksgiving.
We are so wired to always be thinking about "the next thing", that we often don't savor the joy
of the present moment. Props to the Penguins and people of Pittsburgh for giving a couple hundred thousand folks that moment in person; and probably a million more via media!
We should do the same without apology as we see God work through us!
Pastor Jay
Friday, June 12, 2009
What Faith Does
As I write this piece today, it’s overcast and rather cool for an early summer day. The brilliant sunshine of a few days ago is past and not expected to return until tomorrow.
However, we’re expecting several thousand people tonight at our weekly Car Cruise despite graduations, the Penguins final game of the Stanley Cup playoff and even the unsettled weather.
It would be very convenient to cancel an event like this. However, faith risks the fact that some people may not show up for the sake of the many hundreds, actually thousands, who will and who hopefully come back again and again because of what they experience. What faith does is see the positive potential in everything, not simply the downside risk. Faith acts on that potential because it believes that God is bigger than the obstacles!
Snap that into your thinking no matter what you’re facing and the Lord may just show you how to move ahead!
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
However, we’re expecting several thousand people tonight at our weekly Car Cruise despite graduations, the Penguins final game of the Stanley Cup playoff and even the unsettled weather.
It would be very convenient to cancel an event like this. However, faith risks the fact that some people may not show up for the sake of the many hundreds, actually thousands, who will and who hopefully come back again and again because of what they experience. What faith does is see the positive potential in everything, not simply the downside risk. Faith acts on that potential because it believes that God is bigger than the obstacles!
Snap that into your thinking no matter what you’re facing and the Lord may just show you how to move ahead!
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
What Faith Does
As I write this piece today, it’s overcast and rather cool for an early summer day. The brilliant sunshine of a few days ago is past and not expected to return until tomorrow.
However, we’re expecting several thousand people tonight at our weekly Car Cruise despite graduations, the Penguins final game of the Stanley Cup playoff and even the unsettled weather.
It would be very convenient to cancel an event like this. However, faith risks the fact that some people may not show up for the sake of the many hundreds, actually thousands, who will and who hopefully come back again and again because of what they experience. What faith does is see the positive potential in everything, not simply the downside risk. Faith acts on that potential because it believes that God is bigger than the obstacles!
Snap that into your thinking no matter what you’re facing and the Lord may just show you how to move ahead!
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
However, we’re expecting several thousand people tonight at our weekly Car Cruise despite graduations, the Penguins final game of the Stanley Cup playoff and even the unsettled weather.
It would be very convenient to cancel an event like this. However, faith risks the fact that some people may not show up for the sake of the many hundreds, actually thousands, who will and who hopefully come back again and again because of what they experience. What faith does is see the positive potential in everything, not simply the downside risk. Faith acts on that potential because it believes that God is bigger than the obstacles!
Snap that into your thinking no matter what you’re facing and the Lord may just show you how to move ahead!
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Value the Rain
It’s supposed to rain today. In fact, as I look out the window there’s a very light shower even now. Most of the time, I find the rain restrictive and annoying, often foiling my best laid plans!
However, I’ve also come to value the rain and life-giving properties that it brings. I think you’ve all heard this before, but too much sunshine simply bakes the life out of anything around it. And so it is with prosperity and blessing in our lives.
That’s why James exhorts us to rejoice when trials come (i.e. the rain), because it softens the soil of our heart and keeps us open to receiving new seeds of life that the Lord wants to plant ,as well as watering those things which are already growing.
And so I’m actually praying for a strong rain today because my soil’s a little dry and I think it would do me good.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
However, I’ve also come to value the rain and life-giving properties that it brings. I think you’ve all heard this before, but too much sunshine simply bakes the life out of anything around it. And so it is with prosperity and blessing in our lives.
That’s why James exhorts us to rejoice when trials come (i.e. the rain), because it softens the soil of our heart and keeps us open to receiving new seeds of life that the Lord wants to plant ,as well as watering those things which are already growing.
And so I’m actually praying for a strong rain today because my soil’s a little dry and I think it would do me good.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Power of Laughter
Yesterday, in my travels, I was seated on a plane near a group of people that were travelling together who could not stop telling stories that apparently were enormously funny to them!
I have to say that at first it was a little annoying but then, I couldn’t help but start smiling myself as I heard rolling uproarious laugh after laugh after laugh. Think about it for a moment. When you are around that kind of humor, it somehow “rubs off “on you, doesn’t it? (I think Solomon would have said “A merry heart makes good like a medicine.” Proverbs)
It’s not to say that our problems go away, but we can decide whether what rubs off from us is the joy of the Lord or the heaviness and weight of our difficulties. I know we shouldn’t mask our issues, but we do have a choice to make and I think being joyful, being happy, even laughing at times are choices that can lift our souls.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
I have to say that at first it was a little annoying but then, I couldn’t help but start smiling myself as I heard rolling uproarious laugh after laugh after laugh. Think about it for a moment. When you are around that kind of humor, it somehow “rubs off “on you, doesn’t it? (I think Solomon would have said “A merry heart makes good like a medicine.” Proverbs)
It’s not to say that our problems go away, but we can decide whether what rubs off from us is the joy of the Lord or the heaviness and weight of our difficulties. I know we shouldn’t mask our issues, but we do have a choice to make and I think being joyful, being happy, even laughing at times are choices that can lift our souls.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Travel Time
When we read scripture, we’re usually not very impacted by the fact that everywhere that the disciples (and Jesus) went, they did so on foot. Today I’m in cars and airplanes and travelling many miles in the same amount of time that it would take the disciples and Jesus to travel about 20 miles in their day.
What an amazing gift that we have to be so free to move about and experience so much of the variety of our nation and world and other cultures. However, we also have the cost of doing so, which is far more than financial. The stress of travel, the physical challenges and all the rest plays a toll upon us that sometimes tends to overwhelm a body's capacity to stay rested and focused.
I think that’s why Jesus was so able to “always hear the Father’s voice.” I pray that in my day of travel I’ll remain in touch with the Lord and that you will as well.
These are little things, but cumulatively it’s what makes the difference between walking with the Lord and just knowing about Him.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
What an amazing gift that we have to be so free to move about and experience so much of the variety of our nation and world and other cultures. However, we also have the cost of doing so, which is far more than financial. The stress of travel, the physical challenges and all the rest plays a toll upon us that sometimes tends to overwhelm a body's capacity to stay rested and focused.
I think that’s why Jesus was so able to “always hear the Father’s voice.” I pray that in my day of travel I’ll remain in touch with the Lord and that you will as well.
These are little things, but cumulatively it’s what makes the difference between walking with the Lord and just knowing about Him.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Monday, June 8, 2009
I Can Feel It Coming
As I wrap up a very brief 6 day trip out west, I’m already in the process of packing and sending some things home and preparing to join Carol and our North Way family on Wednesday morning.
It’s interesting, however, to already sense the rising of the level of “expectations” that come with our full time responsibilities. I love what God has allowed me to do at North Way and hope to continue to provide faithful leadership until the Lord determines otherwise, but I’m also aware that short breaks like this help us to recalibrate just a little and refocus a lot on how much we have to invest in staying close to Jesus in the midst of the pressures of life.
I hope you have the opportunity this summer to do just that. It does remarkable things to your soul to not have things to worry about or try to fulfill even for just a few days.
I look forward to being home but I don’t want to lose that deep soul connection, that intimacy with Jesus that is the literal “abundant life.”
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
It’s interesting, however, to already sense the rising of the level of “expectations” that come with our full time responsibilities. I love what God has allowed me to do at North Way and hope to continue to provide faithful leadership until the Lord determines otherwise, but I’m also aware that short breaks like this help us to recalibrate just a little and refocus a lot on how much we have to invest in staying close to Jesus in the midst of the pressures of life.
I hope you have the opportunity this summer to do just that. It does remarkable things to your soul to not have things to worry about or try to fulfill even for just a few days.
I look forward to being home but I don’t want to lose that deep soul connection, that intimacy with Jesus that is the literal “abundant life.”
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Friday, June 5, 2009
How the giants fall
Yesterday I completed a short book by Jim Collins (author of Good to Great) who studied major corporations and institutions that fell from prominence over the past couple of decades.
This is not the forum to discuss the details of his findings, but the single word that sums up the most common mistake that was made by every organization that took a serious tumble, if not complete dissolution, is “pride”. People simply thought they were invincible or that they could keep expanding without ever counting the cost.
It’s interesting when “social scientists” get factual details that support what God’s word says so clearly “pride goes before a fall”! I expect this is true of our personal lives as well. I know it reminded me to take inventory of where I’ve gotten a little bit overconfident and I asked God to keep me in that place of humility and constant trust in His care for me on a day-to-day basis.
I hope you’ll do the same!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
This is not the forum to discuss the details of his findings, but the single word that sums up the most common mistake that was made by every organization that took a serious tumble, if not complete dissolution, is “pride”. People simply thought they were invincible or that they could keep expanding without ever counting the cost.
It’s interesting when “social scientists” get factual details that support what God’s word says so clearly “pride goes before a fall”! I expect this is true of our personal lives as well. I know it reminded me to take inventory of where I’ve gotten a little bit overconfident and I asked God to keep me in that place of humility and constant trust in His care for me on a day-to-day basis.
I hope you’ll do the same!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Thursday, June 4, 2009
It's Never "Easy"
The one thing that most of us want to do from time to time is to "get away from it all and just relax.” In fact, every study over recent years suggests this is essential for long-term productivity and "stress control."
But have you noticed that it's never that easy to do? Finding the time is difficult. There's always something for work or school or other commitments that seems to hold us; but even when we do get away, our "electronic tools" relentlessly seek us out.
I finally turned my phone "off" for today after receiving 10 calls in 3 hours. I'm savoring the thought that I can, for a short while, "be still and KNOW the He is God." I'll have to diligently work to not wonder who called or what emails I missed, but strangely, the world will go on just fine without me jumping every time some one reaches out.
It's never easy for any of us to make time to be still, but it makes it easier when we remember that Jesus has been patiently waiting for us.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
But have you noticed that it's never that easy to do? Finding the time is difficult. There's always something for work or school or other commitments that seems to hold us; but even when we do get away, our "electronic tools" relentlessly seek us out.
I finally turned my phone "off" for today after receiving 10 calls in 3 hours. I'm savoring the thought that I can, for a short while, "be still and KNOW the He is God." I'll have to diligently work to not wonder who called or what emails I missed, but strangely, the world will go on just fine without me jumping every time some one reaches out.
It's never easy for any of us to make time to be still, but it makes it easier when we remember that Jesus has been patiently waiting for us.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Physicals
This part of my “road trip” includes a rather extensive physical today.
This is something I began doing a few years ago that’s far above and beyond anything my local doctor does. At first, I wondered if it was “too much” and would uncover things I didn’t want to know about.
But, so far, the opposite has been true. It’s good to know where you are physically and to know where you might need some work!
Paul exhorts us to examine ourselves in 2 Corinthians 13:5. The implication is the same. We would do well to look at our hearts and souls and ask God how we’re really doing. It doesn’t hurt if we ask a trusted friend to give us some feedback as well. We’re often blind to our weakness our chose to ignore it and such “exams” can alter the course of our destiny!
Blessings,Dr. Jay
This is something I began doing a few years ago that’s far above and beyond anything my local doctor does. At first, I wondered if it was “too much” and would uncover things I didn’t want to know about.
But, so far, the opposite has been true. It’s good to know where you are physically and to know where you might need some work!
Paul exhorts us to examine ourselves in 2 Corinthians 13:5. The implication is the same. We would do well to look at our hearts and souls and ask God how we’re really doing. It doesn’t hurt if we ask a trusted friend to give us some feedback as well. We’re often blind to our weakness our chose to ignore it and such “exams” can alter the course of our destiny!
Blessings,Dr. Jay
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Packing Light
I’m about to go on a one week trip that has several purposes. I’ll be in a few different cities and yet the goal on a trip like this is to not pile too many things in your suitcase for obvious reasons!
What I find is, however, that packing is a lot like living. There’s so many ways that you can envision yourself using your time that you want to try to be prepared for every scenario and thereby keep adding things in the bag.
In life, we add people and relationships, books and CDs, blogs and tweets, and then a whole lot of opportunities and wonder why life can still feel “heavy”!
This is a discipline, above all, I think. As I look through my bag I decided I didn’t need this item or that, even though it may prove to be a mistake!
But that’s where faith comes in and that’s where in life we have to make the same choices. Travel light… and trust Jesus to provide as needed.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
What I find is, however, that packing is a lot like living. There’s so many ways that you can envision yourself using your time that you want to try to be prepared for every scenario and thereby keep adding things in the bag.
In life, we add people and relationships, books and CDs, blogs and tweets, and then a whole lot of opportunities and wonder why life can still feel “heavy”!
This is a discipline, above all, I think. As I look through my bag I decided I didn’t need this item or that, even though it may prove to be a mistake!
But that’s where faith comes in and that’s where in life we have to make the same choices. Travel light… and trust Jesus to provide as needed.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
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