Growing

This past week I went to the doctor to talk about the depression that I have been experiencing. So he put me on a prescription and basically told me to do what I would tell someone else to do in the same situation. He told me to take some time off (Colorado here I come), to rest, to read my Bible, to take care of myself, basically to do all that I know I should be doing but havn't taken the time to do. As I look at the Good and Beautiful Community and the topic of forgiveness I realize that I need to forgive myself as well as others. I need to hold realistic expectations for myself and not beat myself up over things out of my control. I also need to find someone that I feel comfortable sharing what is on my heart with, besides Kim. I don't want my burdens to burden her also. God is doing some work on me and I look forward to seeing what that turns out to be.

Learning To Love

As I write this I think about the past four years of ministry and realize that I have forgotten how to love God's people. I have somehow allowed myself to tolerate others, and put up with others, and even minister to others without love. I know this is the greatest way we can show Christ to the world around us, yet I have forgotten how to do it. From my family to the church to the community, all need to feel the love of Christ in and through me. So I come back to the basics and seek to love as Christ loves the church. What more can I do?

Serving

Omce again I find myself forgetting to do my journals. But last week I read chapter three of "The Good and Beautiful Community" and found it talking about being a part of a giving community. I think this was a great reminder to think of others first. Our culture seems to often be self-serving rather than looking to others needs, even the culture within the walls of the church. But serving others or being others focused is one of the easiest ways to share Jesus witht the world. How I hope and pray that this will be something I can teach myself, my family, and the church around me.

Witnessing

After looking at chapter two I really appreciated the step by step instructions for witnessing. As I eave today to visit some family who are not Christians I am praying for an open door to witness and hopefully lead them to Christ.